PITTSBURGH -- T.J. Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive superstar, will not participate in OTAs, sources told ESPN on May 16, 2025. The All-Pro edge rusher revealed his decision stems from ongoing contract negotiations, seeking a long-term commitment from the team.
Watt, who recorded 11.5 sacks in 2024, is in the final year of his current deal, with a $30.42 million cap hit, per Spotrac. He’s pushing for an extension, prioritizing stability over a massive payday, but fears being treated like Alan Faneca, who left the Steelers in 2008 after a bitter contract dispute.
“I don’t want a huge deal—just security,” Watt told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I’ve seen what happened to Faneca. I don’t want to be pushed out like that.” Faneca, a Hall of Famer, departed after the Steelers refused to meet his salary demands, a sore spot for Watt.
The Steelers’ front office, led by Omar Khan, has a history of cautious spending. Faneca’s exit, followed by the recent trade of George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick over a $10 million per year demand, has Watt on edge, per The Athletic.
Watt’s absence from OTAs sends a clear message. With 103.5 career sacks and the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award, he’s a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s defense, ranked 10th in sacks (47) in 2024. Losing him could be catastrophic, per PFF.
The Steelers’ $32 million cap space offers room for a deal, but negotiations remain stalled. Watt seeks a 4-5 year extension at around $30 million per year, a modest ask compared to peers like Myles Garrett ($40 million annually), but the team’s reluctance echoes past disputes, per Behind the Steel Curtain.
Fans on X reacted strongly, with @Blitz_Burgh posting, “Pay Watt now, or we’re done!” Ian Rapoport noted, “Watt’s holdout could force Khan’s hand.” The team’s 6-year playoff win drought (2017-2022), extended by a 2024 loss to the Buffalo Bills (4-13), adds urgency.
As OTAs progress, Watt’s absence looms large. With DK Metcalf and Mike Hilton on board, the Steelers can’t afford to lose their defensive anchor. A long-term deal could end the standoff—or risk a bitter exit reminiscent of Faneca’s departure.
