ESPN Report: iBrooke Pryor shares potential holdup in Steelers-T.J. Watt contract negotiations 

According to a recent ESPN report by Brooke Pryor, the ongoing contract negotiations between the Pittsburgh Steelers and star edge rusher T.J. Watt have hit a snag due to a fundamental disagreement over contract structure—specifically, guaranteed money beyond the first year. While both sides want a long-term agreement, the Steelers’ traditional contract policies are reportedly at odds with Watt’s expectations.

Pryor reveals that the Steelers maintain a long-standing practice of avoiding guaranteed money after the first year of a deal, something they have historically applied even to their top players. However, Watt—whose current deal is nearing expiration—wants a market-setting extension that includes full guarantees extending across multiple seasons, in line with what other elite pass rushers like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby have received in recent years.

This conservative approach by the Steelers, according to Pryor, is becoming increasingly outdated in today’s NFL, where more teams are adjusting their contract strategies to remain competitive and retain star talent. She points to the Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh’s AFC North rivals, as a prime example of a franchise that has evolved its negotiating methods to accommodate the modern financial demands of top players. Pryor suggests that the Bengals’ flexibility could serve as a wake-up call for Pittsburgh’s front office.

The tension has become more public in recent weeks, with Watt skipping offseason workouts, voluntary OTAs, and mandatory minicamp, which indicates how serious he is about getting the terms he wants. While these absences are costing him fines, they are also sending a clear message: Watt isn’t bluffing. Pryor notes that team officials weren’t surprised by his absence, acknowledging that this is part of his effort to apply pressure and push the organization to meet his demands.

Despite the impasse, it’s important to note that Watt has expressed a desire to stay in Pittsburgh. He has spoken publicly about his commitment to the team and city, stating he wants to be “part of the solution.” However, he also wants to be compensated at the level of the NFL’s top defenders—and with guarantees that reflect that status.

The NFL contract market for pass rushers has seen significant changes, especially after Garrett’s recent mega-deal. That agreement reset expectations and now serves as the benchmark for players like Watt. Pryor reports that the Steelers didn’t anticipate the market to shift so quickly or dramatically, which has complicated their negotiations with Watt.

As training camp approaches, both sides face mounting pressure. The Steelers must decide whether to adjust their long-held philosophies to retain one of their cornerstone players, or risk prolonging a contract standoff that could spill into the season—or even open the door to potential trade talks.

In summary, Pryor highlights that the core obstacle isn’t a lack of mutual interest, but rather a conflict between tradition and market reality. Whether the Steelers evolve to meet Watt’s expectations—or stick to their past practices—will determine how this high-stakes situation unfolds.