The Pittsburgh Steelers took to the practice field for the first day of organized team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday and there were three very notable absences.
We're not including Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to sign with the team. Instead, the three absences were wide receiver DK Metcalf, edge rusher T.J. Watt and cornerback Darius Slay.
While Metcalf was absent, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth did note that Metcalf has been around plenty during the early portion of the offseason program.
"Steelers WR DK Metcalf wasn’t among the receivers at the first day of OTAs... but Pat Freiermuth said Metcalf has been around frequently during the early offseason phases," ESPN's Brooke Pryor wrote.
Of course, this portion of the offseason program is not mandatory, so none of the three are required to be there. In fact, Metcalf, Watt and Slay don't have to attend until mandatory minicamp, which runs from June 10 through June 12.
Notable OTA absences for the Steelers:
— Amanda Godsey (@AmandaFGodsey) May 27, 2025
-TJ Watt
-DK Metcalf
-Darius Slay
It isn't clear why any of the three weren't out there, but the only absence that could possibly be contract-related is Watt, who is entering the final year of his deal with Pittsburgh.
It remains unclear how close or far apart the two sides are on that front.
In case you forgot, here's a look at the Steelers' full schedule for OTAs:
Steelers OTAs schedule
- Tuesday, May 27 – OTA #1
- Wednesday, May 28 – OTA #2
- Thursday, May 29 – OTA #3
- Tuesday, June 3 – OTA #4
- Wednesday, June 4 – OTA #5
- Thursday, June 5 – OTA #6
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