Sources: Watt not attending Steelers minicamp

Pittsburgh Steelers prima walk rusher T.J. Watt is not attending this week's mandatory minicamp amid his pursuit of a caller contract, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Watt, who is entering the last twelvemonth of his existent declaration with the Steelers, besides skipped voluntary OTA's earlier this offseason arsenic helium attempted to negociate a caller deal.

If helium misses each 3 days of minicamp, Watt would beryllium taxable to astir $105,000 successful fines.

Though helium hasn't spoken publically since the extremity of the 2024 season, Watt appeared to telegraph that negotiations weren't going to his liking successful April erstwhile helium posted a representation to his Instagram communicative holding up a bid motion successful a Steelers jersey.

Watt's mean yearly wage is conscionable implicit $28 million, but the marketplace for game-changing walk rushers has changed since helium signed his four-year woody successful 2021.

Cleveland Browns prima Myles Garrett landed a grounds woody 3 months agone that averages $40 cardinal annually and includes $123.5 cardinal successful guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback successful NFL history.

Watt, who turns 31 successful October, has 108 vocation sacks -- 5.5 much than Garrett and the sixth-most among progressive NFL players. The four-time All-Pro was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year successful 2021 and has spent his full eight-year vocation with the Steelers.

ESPN's Brooke Pryor contributed to this report.