Pittsburgh Steelers’ season opener against the Buffalo Bills might see an absence of TJ Watt. The Pro Bowler, despite attending all the training sessions, did not participate in any of the team activities. He performed exclusively in individual drills during the camp.
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His practice status does not seem to change as he seeks a pay raise from the franchise. The Steelers have refused to revise the terms of the contract for any player during the season and are therefore hanging TJ’s contract in mid-air.
TJ Watt's practice participation today was no different than training camp, Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten confirms.
Watt was at every training camp practice, but worked only in individuals and was off to the side doing his own work during team periods.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 6, 2021
TJ Watt, the trump card of the Steelers
Many consider TJ Watt to be a strong contender to win the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year. His absence from the team can have ruinous effects on the team.
The linebacker has made significant improvements in his performance year after year. He has hauled double-digit sacks for three consecutive seasons since 2018. TJ delivered an exceptional performance during the previous season with 15 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, and 41 quarterback hits, for which he was nominated for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, finishing second only to Aaron Donald.
Week 1 feels in doubt absent a new deal in short order. Watt stays in excellent shape but Steelers value practice-in-order-to-play with pretty much all players. https://t.co/BLsgjcBfwT
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 6, 2021
TJ wants a pay raise
The star defender of the franchise has realized his worth and is now seeking to become the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player with an average annual salary exceeding $27 million. Furthermore, TJ is also due $10 million for the final year rookie contract in 2021. Apart from this, the linebacker also seeks to receive additional guaranteed money this season and beyond.
Due to the ongoing dispute, his availability against the Bills is still in question. Incidentally, with Bud Dupree’s offseason departure, the team counts on TJ’s pass rush, and his absence could prove to be fatal for the Steeler defense.
With the clock ticking fast for the season to start, the Pittsburgh Steelers are yet to make a meticulous decision on the matter. The whole team counts on the negotiations made by the Steelers if they entertain the linebacker to do so.
