"Could be just Day 1 of a long staring match" - Steelers insider predicts no easy settlement for T.J. Watt amid contract stand off

Pittsburgh Steelers superstar defensive player T.J. Watt is entering the final season of a four-year contract he signed in 2021. After spending the last few months highlighting his desire to sign a new long-term extension, Watt is reportedly not attending mandatory minicamp as he awaits a new deal.

NFL insider for 'The Athletic' Dianna Russini outlined how she had heard that Watt was not going to be participating in Steelers practice this week, with a post on X on Tuesday.

"Steelers star T.J. Watt is not expected to attend Steelers minicamp, per source." Russini wrote, alongside a photo of Watt.

In response, Steelers beat reporter for 'The Athletic' Mike DeFabo replied to Russini's social media release and made clear his belief that Watt's contract situation could take a long time to be resolved. Highlighting how his prior contract situation in 2021 was lengthy, DeFabo expected the same thing this time around.

"T.J. Watt is seeking a new contract as he enters the final year of the extension he signed in 2021. If this is anything like his last contract dispute, this could be just Day 1 of a long staring match." DeFabo said.

Mike DeFabo

@MikeDeFabo

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T.J. Watt is seeking a new contract as he enters the final year of the extension he signed in 2021.

If this is anything like his last contract dispute, this could be just Day 1 of a long staring match.

During his last experience in the market for a new contract, Watt did not sign a deal with the Steelers until September 9th, only a few days from the start of the new season.

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What will T.J. Watt's next contract look like?

T.J. Watt is one of the best defensive players in the NFL and has been consistently elite since entering the league. Since the 2017 season, Watt has averaged approximately 58 total tackles, 41 solo tackles, and 13.5 sacks for the Steelers.

According to 'Spotrac', Watt's current market value is a four-year contract worth $146,551,588 ($36.6 million per season). This would put him in the same financial category as Cleveland Browns Myles Garrett, Las Vegas Raiders Maxx Crosby, San Francisco 49ers Nick Bosa, and Houston Texans Danielle Hunter.

Although DeFabo is outlining how history may repeat itself and that Watt could take a while to sign, Steelers fans would unquestionably be happy if Watt played the way he did the last time immediately after signing.

In 2021, after signing his new deal, Watt had 64 total tackles, 48 solo tackles, five forced fumbles, and tied Michael Strahan for the most sacks in a single season with 22.5.