PITTSBURGH — As a new notable face made his black-and-gold debut on Tuesday at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ minicamp, a familiar veteran was notably absent.
Aaron Rodgers took his first snaps as a member of the Steelers. But just minutes before the first of three mandatory minicamps began, news broke that linebacker T.J. Watt would not be in attendance. Watt, a four-time first-team All-Pro and a Steeler mainstay, is in the final year of his current contract, and is seeking an extension.
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If anyone on the Steelers sideline is worried, they did a fine job of hiding it.
“When T.J. shows up, he’ll be ready to go,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said Tuesday morning. He added that he’s been in contact with Watt throughout the summer. “He’s handling his business, he’s doing his thing. … We’ve texted this summer, not about football stuff, about how his family is doing, his new baby.”
Spinning a negative into a positive, Steelers coaches emphasized that Watt’s absence would give players like rookie Jack Sawyer and third-year Nick Herbig an opportunity to prove themselves in camp.
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“It allows the younger guys to get more work, more reps against the first team,” Austin said. “It helps everybody, because now you have an opportunity to be an every-down guy, not just a third-down guy.”
Sawyer, an Ohio State hero last season, drew special praise from Austin. “He’s outstanding. Has all the football qualities you like and cherish around here.” Asked to give Sawyer a grade, Austin just smiled. “We’re in shorts right now,” he said. “I can give everybody an A at this point.”
Watt, who will turn 31 this season, is entering the final year of a four-year, $112 million contract. He’s scheduled to earn a base salary of $21.05 million in 2025. Last season, he recorded 11.5 sacks and forced a league-leading six fumbles while starting all 17 games.
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