Watt’s Situation Still Unresolved Despite Elliott Extension
While reports on Monday night confirmed that the Pittsburgh Steelers and safety DeShon Elliott agreed to a two-year contract extension, there was no sign by Tuesday that a similar resolution was near for star pass-rusher T.J. Watt.
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show Tuesday, NFL insider Peter Schrager indicated that the Steelers may be preparing a strong financial push to ensure Watt reports to training camp on time. “I know both sides are really motivated to get something done here,” Schrager said, as shared by Josh Carney of Steelers Depot.
“They don’t wanna go into training camp and have this thing drag on. The [Aaron Rodgers] domino fell. DeShon Elliott is a nice player to have. But this was always gonna be, let’s get Rodgers in camp, and I think the T.J. Watt deal has to get done. Now, from what I’m told, both sides want it to get done. Obviously, T.J. Watt’s gonna want a certain amount of money. Question is, is it a game of chicken?”
Watt, Parsons, and the Market Dynamics
Schrager referenced the situation with Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher Micah Parsons, who, like Watt, is in line for a major payday. Parsons is in the final year of his rookie deal and will be 26 during the 2025 season. Watt, on the other hand, is in the last year of his extension signed before the 2021 season and will turn 31 in October.
According to Terrance Biggs of Pro Football Network, ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted on the Unsportsmanlike program Tuesday that he expects Parsons to sign a deal exceeding the four-year, $160 million extension Myles Garrett recently received from the Cleveland Browns.
“It’s always interesting to see when you’re talking top of the market guys, who is gonna take that offer first? Who’s motivated to get it done first and who’s willing to wait it out?” Schrager added on Tuesday.
Eyes on Camp Dates as Deadline Approaches
Per Teresa Varley of the Steelers’ official website, players are scheduled to report to training camp on July 23. That leaves a narrow window for negotiations if Pittsburgh wants Watt to be fully involved when the team holds its first public practice on July 24.
