Just weeks before the Pittsburgh Steelers report to Latrobe for training camp, contract talks between the franchise and All-Pro linebacker **T.J. Watt** are showing signs of real progress. After Watt’s high-profile absence from **mandatory minicamp**, which sent a clear signal about his desire for a new deal, optimism is beginning to grow that the two sides could come to terms before camp opens.
According to **ESPN’s Peter Schrager**, discussions have intensified in recent days, and while no deal has been finalized, “the framework is starting to take shape.” Schrager noted on *NFL Live* that he remains confident Watt and the Steelers will reach an agreement before players report to St. Vincent College in late July.
> “They’re not there yet,” Schrager said, “but there’s real movement. The Steelers know what T.J. means to that defense and that locker room. I think it gets done before camp.”
Watt, who has served as the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s defense since entering the league in 2017, opted not to attend minicamp earlier this month—a calculated move widely interpreted as a negotiating tactic. The holdout was uncharacteristic of Watt, a player known for his quiet professionalism, and it underscored the importance he’s placing on this contract extension.
He’s coming off yet another dominant season, finishing with **15.5 sacks**, multiple forced fumbles, and numerous game-changing plays. At 30 years old, Watt is seeking what could be the last major contract of his NFL career—one that reflects both his past production and his projected impact over the next few seasons.
While contract talks continue, **ESPN’s Adam Schefter** offered a slightly different perspective during his appearance on *NFL Countdown*, predicting that **Watt will report to training camp regardless of whether a deal is reached by then**.
> “T.J. Watt is too much of a leader, too professional to let this spill over into training camp,” Schefter said. “Even if the contract isn’t done, I fully expect him to be there with his teammates. He’s not the kind of player who’s going to let negotiations become a distraction.”
However, Schefter added that **he does not believe Watt will surpass Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett in total value**—a significant point of tension, considering Garrett’s 2024 extension reset the market at **\$32 million per year**.
> “As great as Watt is, the Steelers historically don’t break the ceiling on defensive contracts. I’d be surprised if this crosses that Garrett threshold,” Schefter added.
That may be the sticking point. Watt and his camp are reportedly looking for a deal that puts him at or near the top of the edge rusher market, possibly in the **\$29–30 million per year range**, with substantial guarantees. The Steelers, known for their disciplined financial approach, are hesitant to shatter the defensive salary ceiling—even for a generational talent like Watt.
Still, insiders say the tone of negotiations has shifted from tense to constructive, especially after Watt’s minicamp absence reminded everyone just how essential he is to the team’s identity. With fellow stars like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Alex Highsmith already locked into multi-year deals, keeping Watt happy and motivated is viewed as critical to the team’s defensive strategy under new defensive coordinator Aaron Curry.
### A Legacy at Stake
Beyond the dollars and cap numbers lies the emotional weight of Watt’s place in Steelers history. Already one of the franchise’s most decorated defenders, with **multiple Pro Bowl selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award**, Watt is widely seen as the heir to the likes of Troy Polamalu and James Harrison.
Letting him walk—or dragging out contract negotiations into training camp—would send a risky message to the locker room and the fanbase.
### What’s Next?
The Steelers will hold informal team workouts and media days in early July, with training camp officially beginning in the final week of the month. While both sides remain tight-lipped about specific contract terms, all signs point to **meaningful progress**.
> “It’s moving,” a team source told ESPN. “There’s mutual respect. T.J. wants to be here. We want him here. It’s about finding the right number.”
For now, Steelers fans can breathe a little easier. T.J. Watt hasn’t left—and likely won’t. But until pen hits paper, the wait continues for what could be one of the most significant contract extensions in Steelers history.