We keep operating under the assumption the Steelers will reach an agreement with T.J. Watt before the start of the season. But we're getting closer to Week 1 each day, and there's still no press release trumpeting a nine-figure extension.
It's time to start getting worried. Hey, Art Rooney: Pay the best defensive player in the league — right now.
Is that too much to ask?
Watt's semi-holdout seemingly comes with Mike Tomlin's blessing, since the NFL's sack leader is showing up to practice each day and participating in team meetings. With teams now able to fine players up to $40,000 a day for missing training camp (the NFLPA strikes again)!, those with contractual demands are still with their teams. They're just not participating in any contact drills, and won't play in preseason games. Jamal Adams and Duane Brown are following the same script in Seattle.
That means Watt won't be on the field Thursday night.
Tomlin didn't sound concerned about the situation when asked on Tuesday. "That negotiation process is going to run its course," he told reporters, including the Fan's Jim Colony. "Some run their courses faster than others. If I remember correctly, Cam Heyward had less than 100 percent participation when he was in a similar circumstance a short time ago.
While that's true — the Steelers inked Heyward to a four-year, $71.4 million extension just days before the start of the 2020 campaign — Watt's new deal is more complicated to figure out. For starters, his contract will likely double Heyward's in total value.
Watt should be the highest-paid defender in the league, and the numbers bear that out. The honor currently belongs to Joey Bosa, who's playing on a $135 million deal with $102 million guaranteed. The fearsome pass-rusher signed his historic contract last August, when he had 40 sacks and five forced fumbles in his first four seasons.
For a short time before Bosa re-upped with the Charges, Myles Garrett was the highest-paid defender in the NFL. His contract is worth $125 million with $100 million guaranteed. At the time of signing, Garrett had 30.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in his career.
Watt is better than both of them. Through his first four seasons, he has 49.5 sacks and 17 forced fumbles. He also has four interceptions. Garrett and Bosa have none. It's not even close.
The Steelers could play hardball with Watt. He's slated to play this season under his fifth-year option worth $10 million. Then the Steelers could franchise him for two years. That means they could have Watt for his 27-, 28- and 29-year-old seasons without taking on any long-term commitment. It's an organization's dream.
But it's disrespectful to the player. The Steelers tried this before with Le'Veon Bell, and he wound up sitting out an entire season.
Plus, players are human beings. Forcing Watt to play year to year — or even for an insulting $10 million — would reflect poorly on the Steelers. It probably wouldn't play well in their locker room, or in any across the league. Players talk.
Last week, the Bills gave Josh Allen his money after months of prolonged negotiations. The Steelers should do the same for Watt.
