Out of what he calls “respect to the process,” Steelers star outside linebacker TJ Watt refused to answer a question regarding a possible contract extension when he met with the media Tuesday morning during the team’s minicamp.
Watt is in the final year of his rookie contract, in which a fifth-year option was exercised for this season. It will pay him over $10 million in 2021.
But Watt will soon be making much, much more.
Watt was the betting favorite to win the NFL’s defensive player of the year award following a career-high 15-sack season. But that award ultimately went to Aaron Donald, leading many to believe that Watt was snubbed.
“I don’t think it’s driving me, but I think more than anything I want to be the best possible player I can be, not only for myself, but for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I want to continue to make splash plays.
“A big thing for me is noticing all of the plays that I didn’t make last year.”
Over the last three seasons, Watt has recorded 42 1/2 sacks and has forced 15 fumbles, establishing himself as one of the game’s preeminent pass rushers and havoc inducers.
The Steelers will look to wrap up Watt long-term before the season begins. But, in order to do so, they’ll likely need to pony up in a way their franchise — or any — ever has for a defensive player.
Some projectors believe Watt will make between $25-30 million on his next deal, becoming the NFL’s highest paid defensive player.
His fifth season will bring some change, however. Watt will begin the year with a new pass rushing sidekick. Bud Dupree left via free agency, signing a big money deal in Tennessee after his 2020 season ended with a torn ACL.
On the other side will be, barring a surprise signing or emergence of a young player, second-year linebacker Alex Highsmith.
“I think he has a great repertoire of moves already,” Watt said of Highsmith, who played over 43 percent of the team’s defensive snaps in 2020. “Just coming off his rookie year, he can spin, he can do his ghost move, he’s developing more power in his game. I think that’s a real high positive and I also think he handles the run well.
“It’s just a matter of being more consistent for the both of us. I think that’s the biggest challenge of being an NFL football player, is trying to be consistent, week in and week out.
“I’ve said it time and time again, anybody can have a great game. It’s about putting together great weeks and great seasons.”
Behind Watt and Highsmith, the team is thin at the outside linebacker position, meaning that Watt — who played over 83 percent of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps in 2020 — may need to see the field even more this season.
“I always want to be out there as much as I possibly can. But it’s also about managing my play and how efficient I am when I’m out there. I don’t want to be out there if I’m completely gassed.
“But that’s also what we do in training camp and here, seeing what kind of depth we have behind us and if we trust the guy behind us, which we always do.”
Make no mistake though, Watt — a supreme competitor — wants to be out there when it matters most.
“I have no problem with taking a break and letting a guy behind me get go and get some reps. But if it’s third down and I have a little bit of gas I the tank, I’m going to try to get that rep.”