The Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt have one of the most talked about storylines in the NFL heading into training camp. For those who don’t know, Watt is looking for a new contract and the two sides have been unable to get anything done to this point.
Watt has been one of the best defensive players in the league for years. He is more than deserving of a pay raise. However, the Steelers have not been willing to cave to his demands.
Due to the ongoing contract discussions, rumors have started popping up about Watt’s future. There have been some reports about Pittsburgh considering potential trade options.
T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs around the edge during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday at NRG Stadium on October 1, 2023 in Houston, Texas.
T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs around the edge during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday at NRG Stadium on October 1, 2023 in Houston, Texas.
Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images
While there are concerns about the Steelers’ ability to keep Watt long-term, both sides appear to prefer remaining together. It’s just about getting a deal done that makes both parties happy.
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That being said, a new report has detailed the major issue that has kept the sides from forming an agreement.
According to a report from ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, guaranteed money has been the biggest sticking point between the two sides.
“Pittsburgh remains optimistic. I’m told they want to get a deal done,” Fowler said. “I know there’s been the trade chatter out there. Teams I’ve talked to don’t really expect him to be moved, but this is an issue of guaranteed money as a sticking point. The structure of the deal, all those details. Because most people I talk to around the league do expect him to be the highest-paid pass rusher when he does get paid. That doesn’t seem to be an issue. It’s about the other details that they haven’t been able to lock in on between the team and the player.”
Basically, Pittsburgh is willing to pay him top dollar, but the front office doesn’t want to guarantee the money. Watt likely feels that he deserves more in guarantees for his track record with the franchise.
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Throughout his 121-game career with the Steelers over eight years, Watt has racked up 462 total tackles, 108 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, seven interceptions, and 50 defended passes.
At 30 years old, Watt should still have at least three or four elite years left in him. There are concerns about players as they enter their thirties, which could be the cause of Pittsburgh’s hesitancy to guarantee big money long-term.
Expect to continue hearing updates about the Steelers and Watt in the coming days. With training camp opening later this month, it will be interesting to see if the two sides can make some compromises and close a deal.
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