T.J. Watt absent from Steelers mandatory minicamp

On the day one future first-ballot Hall of Famer made his debut in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform, another such transcendent player made similarly big news by not showing up at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

Outside linebacker T.J. Watt was absent from the first day of mandatory minicamp Tuesday. Entering the final year of his contract, the move is an apparent act of expressing displeasure with progress toward a contract extension.

But while that drama figures to play out in the coming weeks and months, on the day four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers first practiced with his new teammates, the Steelers largely downplayed that their five-time team MVP was absent.

“Certainly, we would like him to be here,” coach Mike Tomlin said, “but certainly not surprised by where we are. We have expressed a desire to get the business done. He has as well. And so we will continue to work. We’ve been here before.”

Asked if he’s worried about TJ Watt’s future with the Steelers, Mike Tomlin said “no.”

He also said this about the Watt no-show to Day 1 of minicamp: pic.twitter.com/gXspVLbxwm

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) June 10, 2025

“Before” in this case is 2021, when a lengthy negotiation — coming at the end of Watt’s rookie contract — saw him not taking part in team drills at that summer’s minicamp or training camp. Watt ultimately signed a four-year, $112 million deal that at the time made him the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player.

But four years ago Watt was present for all mandatory team practices, pulling off what was then a novel concept of a “hold in.” Not showing up at all is akin to a more traditional “holdout.”

“We are going to keep preparing and moving ahead,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “We expect him back at some point. He’ll get caught up fast. He’ll be in great shape like he always is. I think it’s a great opportunity for young guys to get more reps and see what they can do on good-on-good competition.”

Watt is scheduled to make $21.05 million this season and account for a salary cap hit of $30.42 million. The cash is not guaranteed, but the Steelers could lower the 2025 salary cap hit with a structured extension.

The Steelers are known to have extended an offer to Watt, but the market for player salaries — particularly on defense and even moreso at edge rusher — has exploded this offseason.

The player most considered Watt’s contemporary, Myles Garrett, signed a four-year, $160 million deal with the Cleveland Browns that included $123.6 million in guarantees. Garrett got the deal after publicly requesting a trade, spurring fears Watt might play a form of hardball with the Steelers.

Still, teammates and coaches said they have been communicating with Watt over the summer.

“This whole team would love to have ‘90’ here,” Watt’s backup at outside linebacker, Nick Herbig, said, referencing Watt’s uniform number. “He’s a heartbeat, a Pittsburgh Steeler through and through.

“I’d love to see him over there, chop it up with him and talk crap, but like every day, I’m going to prepare to be a starter whether it’s now, two years or 11 weeks. Just stay ready.”

In Watt’s stead, Herbig fills in as the starter at left outside linebacker opposite Alex Highsmith. Rookie Jack Sawyer will have a chance to run with Jeremiah Moon, Eku Leota and Julius Welschof.

“It’s such a good opportunity for all those guys just to be able to put their work on display and show all that they have been working on throughout the offseason,” outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin said.

Minicamp extends Tuesday through Thursday before team personnel scatter for a five-week hiatus before training camp. The Steelers, by terms of the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players union, can fine Watt more than $100,000 if he does not show up at all this week — $17,462 for the first day, $34,925 for Day 2 and $52,381 for Day 3.

The Steelers haven’t had a player sit out training camp since running back Le’Veon Bell, who in 2018 and 2017 was not required to be there because he had not yet signed his franchise player contract tender. Watt joins Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson as edge defenders skipping mandatory minicamp because of apparent reasons related to a contract extension.

The Steelers, though, at this point are unconcerned that they are missing anything because of Watt’s absence.

“Nothing, really,” Martin said. “Because we know what he’s doing. That guy is working right now as we’re talking. We don’t really have to worry about that with him. When he gets here, we know he will be ready.”