PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It had been speculated since the start of camp and confirmed on Saturday. Steelers All-Pro pass rusher TJ Watt won’t participate in team drills until he gets a new contract.
“I don’t blame him for that,” said Steelers Defensive Coordinator Keith Butler. “You don’t want to get hurt when you are trying to get your contract done. You kind of lose some flexibility in terms of what you can sign.”
Watt had 15 sacks in 15 games last year with 23 tackles for loss, seven passes defended, an interception and a pair of forced fumbles. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract and this is typically the time when the Steelers negotiate with star players entering their final season.
“I hope they get it done,” Butler said. “As a former player, I was a player rep for the Players Association. I’ve always been for the players. I struck twice for the players. I knew I wasn’t going to get the money they get. I want them to make as much money as they can in this league. I think they deserve it.”
“I’m not speculating in that regard,” said Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. “I just focus on today and who is working and getting better that way. I’m sure that is going to naturally run it’s course. I know he’s working hard with our trainers. We will see where it all leads us.”
TJ Watt is doing his own drills, often seemingly harder than what his teammates are doing, on the side. He’s been at every practice, talks to his teammates, stretches with them, just doesn’t participate in team drills.
“Everyone knows TJ,” Butler said. “Everyone knows he’s a good teammate. He really wants to be out there. Some things you have to just do.”
“It’s a business. We love to think it’s a game. When all is said and done, it’s a business.”
Tuitt not at practice
Steelers starting defensive end Stephon Tuitt is the second best at sacking the quarterback for the Steelers last year with 11. He also has worked on the side nearly the entire camp, however for a different reason.
Tuitt missed practice entirely on Saturday as Butler said he needs time with his family as they are all still processing the hit-and-run death of his brother.
“Think if your mom saw her son get killed in front of her eyes,” Butler said. “What kind of mess is that. How do you deal with that. He’s trying to deal with that.”
“He wants to make sure his mom is ok. My mom is before everyone else too. I don’t blame him. I don’t blame him at all.”