T.J Watt Missing From Steelers Workouts… Trouble Brewing?

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their 2025 offseason workouts this week, but superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt was conspicuously absent, raising eyebrows across Steelers Nation. The seven-time Pro Bowler’s no-show has sparked concern, especially after a cryptic Instagram post last month hinted at contract tensions.

Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed Watt’s absence during a Tuesday press conference, offering a vague update that did little to ease fears. “T.J.’s working through some things,” Tomlin said. “We’re in communication, and we’ll get it sorted.” The lack of clarity has fans speculating about the root cause—contract disputes, lingering injuries, or something else entirely.

Watt, 30, is entering the final year of his four-year, $112 million deal, with a $21.05 million base salary for 2025. After Cleveland’s Myles Garrett reset the edge rusher market at $40 million annually, Watt, who posted 11.5 sacks and a 92.2 PFF grade in 2024, is reportedly seeking a mega-extension.

Insider Ian Rapoport suggested Watt’s absence could signal stalled negotiations. “When a player skips workouts after a ‘peace out’ post, it’s rarely a coincidence,” Rapoport noted on NFL Network. GM Omar Khan remains optimistic, stating, “T.J.’s a Steeler for life,” but the clock is ticking.

Watt’s health is another concern. He suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in the 2024 season finale and a thumb injury in Week 17, though both were deemed minor. Sources confirm Watt is fully cleared, ruling out injury as the primary reason for his absence.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Pittsburgh, who are navigating a quarterback crisis after losing Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. With Mason Rudolph as the interim QB1 and rookie Will Howard in development, Watt’s leadership is vital for a team aiming to rebound from a Wild Card loss to Baltimore.

Fans on X are in a frenzy, with posts like “T.J. better not pull a Le’Veon Bell” and “Pay the man, Omar!” reflecting growing anxiety. Analysts, however, urge patience. “Watt’s not going anywhere,” ESPN’s Louis Riddick said. “This is just leverage.”

As the Steelers prepare for OTAs, all eyes are on Watt. Will he return to the fold, or is trouble truly brewing? With a tough AFC North looming, Pittsburgh can’t afford to lose their defensive cornerstone.