Steelers' T.J. Watt makes big decision in contract negotiations

Billy Heyen

Steelers' T.J. Watt makes big decision in contract negotiations image

T.J. Watt is used to putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Now, the future Hall of Fame edge rusher is putting pressure on his own team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Watt wants a contract extension, possibly of the record-setting variety, and he's staying away to try and get the deal done.

The superstar wasn't present at Steelers OTAs this week.

Of course, these are voluntary workouts, but the last time Watt was seeking a new contract, he showed up and then "held in" to help his contract over the line.

Now, Watt isn't even at the facilities.

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The new-money average on his current deal, which expires at the end of this season, is about $28 million per year.

Browns superstar Myles Garrett just got $40 million per year on a four-year extension.

Watt and his agent are surely targeted that $40 million amount, but even if they can't quite get there, they're definitely looking for a substantial raise.

How much pressure will Watt put on? If his career is any indication, he'll really bring the heat in these contract negotiations.

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Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle