The Pittsburgh Steelers shouldn't be surprised by T.J. Watt holding out of mandatory minicamp. They knew he wanted a contract extension, and his prior negotiations throughout his career have led to protests before. Being away from the team during minicamp isn't the end of the world, but it's hard to imagine a situation where Aaron Rodgers would receive the same grace as Watt has if he skipped.
Every top edge rusher in the NFL wants a raise, and that is because the Steelers' AFC North rival, the Cleveland Browns, excessively paid Myles Garrett. Watt wants a contract similar to Garrett's, but he isn't the only one. Another AFC North division foe, the Cincinnati Bengals, is between a rock and a hard place at the start of their minicamp.
They are without their top pick from the 2025 draft and their star defensive player.
Trey Hendrickson is one of the best edge rushers in the league. He is someone who has routinely produced quality numbers but continues to fly under the radar. The Bengals took an edge rusher with their top pick in the draft, Shemar Stewart. Both are demanding contracts, and Cincinnati doesn't seem to be budging. This situation could lead to a disaster for the Steelers' fierce rival.
T.J. Watt wants to cash in with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he isn't the only one in the AFC North
Watt's lack of participation in off-season activities is common throughout his career. That only becomes magnified if he is seeking a contract extension. Not being at their minicamp is annoying, but it's not the end of the world. Everyone should still expect both sides to come to a long-term agreement before the regular season starts. At least, that's what both sides are shooting for.
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Cincinnati is in a tough spot right now. They have prioritized spending most of their cap space on offensive talent. Re-signing Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase has created a dynamic offensive attack. It has also decimated their defense. They struggled to overcome that talent gap last season, and it's hard to imagine it improving without Hendrickson or Stewart on the field.
Hendrickson is fed up with the Bengals right now and has been outspoken about either getting paid or being traded to a team that will sign him.
"The lack of communication post-draft made it evidently clear for my party, meaning my wife, my son, my agent, right, like we're talking a small group of people, that I had to inform that this might not work out," Hendrickson told the media.
Unless there is a miracle, it appears Hendrickson will handle the fines that come his way in hopes of landing a new contract. If not, he could demand a trade out of Cincinnati. His potential replacement, Stewart, is in a contract dispute. The rookie first-round pick is a developmental player, but refuses to practice until he gets the contract language he desires.
Pittsburgh might not like T.J. Watt missing mandatory minicamp, but at least they're not the Cincinnati Bengals. This AFC North foe is in a far more troublesome spot right now.