T.J. Watt, Steelers Reportedly 'Motivated' to Get Contract Extension Done Amid Holdout

The Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt are "motivated" to finalize a new contract before the start of training camp, according to ESPN's Peter Schrager.

"I know both sides are really motivated to get something done here. They don't want to go into training camp and have this thing drag on," Schrager said in a Tuesday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

Schrager continued, "From what I'm told, both sides want it to get done."

Watt skipped the Steelers' mandatory minicamp last week amid his holdout for a new contract.

Schrager mentioned the possibility that Watt's negotiations with the Steelers could be impacted by the contract status of Micah Parsons, who is waiting on his own extension from the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the fifth and final year of his rookie contract.

"Could be really a game of chicken between those two guys, rather than team versus player," Schrager said.

Cincinnati Bengals star and 2024 NFL sacks leader Trey Hendrickson is also reportedly expecting a new deal. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday that Hendrickson and his team have resumed extension talks.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett reset the market for pass rushers this spring with a contract averaging $40 million per season.

That deal eclipsed the contract signed two weeks earlier by Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby, who set the previous non-quarterback average annual value record with his three-year deal worth $35.5 million per year.

Adam Schefter said in a Tuesday appearance on ESPN's Unsportsmanlike that he expects Parsons will beat out not only Garrett and Crosby, but also Watt and Hendrickson, as the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.

Schefter cited both Parsons' production and his age— the Cowboys star turned 26 in May— as reasons he is likely to beat out the other stars for the top of the market.

The Steelers will hope to get Watt, who will turn 31 in October, signed to a new deal before Parsons potentially resets the market for a third time this summer.