TJ Watt Just Made NFL History: See the Record-Breaking Play Everyone’s Talking About

All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt has elected to skip the Pittsburgh Steelers’ three-day mandatory minicamp this week as he seeks a long-term contract extension before the 2025 NFL season begins. The decision marks the first public leverage play by the 30-year-old since 2021, when a similar “hold-in” resulted in the league’s richest defensive deal at the time. Why Watt is sitting out The former Defensive Player of the Year is entering the final season of that four-year, $112 million pact and is scheduled to earn $21.05 million in base salary. With the pass-rush market exploding—Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons now earn $35-plus million annually—Watt and his representatives want a contract that re-establishes him near the top of the salary hierarchy for edge defenders. Sources close to negotiations say the Steelers prefer a shorter extension that offers cap flexibility, while Watt seeks maximum guarantees and term. Impact on the Steelers’ offseason program Pittsburgh will incur a $101,716 fine across the three missed practices if the team chooses to enforce it, but head coach Mike Tomlin historically waives such penalties when a franchise cornerstone is involved. In Watt’s absence, second-year linebacker Nick Herbig and free-agent addition Markus Golden are taking first-team edge snaps. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin acknowledged the disruption but emphasized confidence the situation will be resolved before training camp: “We know T.J. will be ready. It’s business.” What Watt means to Pittsburgh’s defense • 11.5 sacks, 28 QB hits and 3 forced fumbles in 2024 despite missing two games. • Franchise-record 102.5 career sacks, tied for second-fastest player to 100 sacks in NFL history. • Pittsburgh is 2-10 when Watt does not play since his 2017 debut. Timeline to watch • June 25: Deadline for teams to sign players and prorate 2025 bonuses across five seasons. • Late July: Steelers report to Saint Vincent College for training camp; Watt risks $50,000 per missed day under the CBA if the dispute lingers. • Week 1 vs. Ravens: Pittsburgh opens the season with an AFC North showdown that could swing early playoff positioning. Potential ripple effects around the league Watt’s stance places additional pressure on other star edge defenders—Brian Burns (Panthers) and Rashan Gary (Packers)—who are also eyeing extensions. A new Watt deal north of $33 million per year would likely reset the ceiling again, accelerating negotiations elsewhere. What happens next Both parties have a track record of striking last-minute deals; expect intensified talks following minicamp. Until then, Steelers fans will monitor every notification, mindful that their Super Bowl aspirations hinge on No. 90 being on the field when the real hitting starts in September.