Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt is currently holding out as he seeks a new long-term contract, casting doubt over his immediate future with the team. Watt, regarded as one of the best defensive players in the NFL, is aiming for a substantial pay raise heading into the upcoming season, but talks remain stalled amid concerns about the Steelers’ salary cap situation.
LeSean McCoy weighs in on the impact of Watt’s holdout
Former NFL running back LeSean McCoy expressed frustration over the prolonged contract standoff, emphasizing how unusual it is for elite players like Watt to wait for their deserved compensation. McCoy highlighted the risk the Steelers take if they let go of such a talented defender, urging the franchise not to lose one of its top defensive assets.
“Why would you move off of one of the best defensive players that we’ve ever seen in football, let alone one of the best defensive players you’ve ever seen?… I hate this, that they play this game. Now, I always think that maybe it’s just the NFL. When I say the NFL, a lot of great players have to wait for their money, right?” —LeSean McCoy, Former NFL Player
Historical context: Comparing Watt’s situation to other NFL stars
McCoy pointed to past examples of highly skilled defenders who faced contract delays before securing lucrative deals. He cited Aaron Donald, widely considered one of the greatest defensive players ever, who also had to hold out for a proper contract. McCoy also referenced Myles Garrett‘s contract battle with the Cleveland Browns, where Garrett threatened to leave before his team agreed to a major extension, underscoring how such disputes are common among elite players.
“Aaron Donald, I can’t think of a better defensive player in history than Aaron Donald and he had to wait to get his money… Myles Garrett had to threaten the Browns and say, ‘Listen, I need to go to a winning team.’ And then you know what they did, they came with that big fat cheque. So you know what? Steelers, Tomlin, I ain’t mad at y’all, because this is how it goes.” —LeSean McCoy, Former NFL Player
Projected value of T.J. Watt’s new contract
Industry analysts estimate that Watt’s market value is substantial. Contract and sports finance company Spotrac projects that a new deal for Watt could be a four-year contract worth approximately $146.6 million. This would mean an average annual salary near $36.6 million, placing Watt just behind Myles Garrett, who leads defensive players with an annual average of $40 million per season.
Implications for the Steelers and NFL defensive landscape
The ongoing negotiations between Watt and the Steelers highlight the difficult balance teams face between retaining elite talent and managing salary caps. If Watt secures a deal similar to Garrett’s, it would solidify his standing among the league’s highest-paid defenders. However, prolonged holdouts risk team dynamics and could force Steelers’ management to consider difficult decisions. Fans and analysts will closely watch how this scenario unfolds, as it may influence future contract talks involving top defensive players.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How long is Myles Garrett’s suspension?
A. Myles Garrett, a key player for the Cleveland Browns, is back in the NFL after a 6-game suspension. He was initially banned indefinitely for striking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph on the head with a helmet.
Q. What happened to Myles Garrett’s eye?
A. It seems Thuney accidentally scratched Garrett on the face and may have hit his eye. Garrett then took off his helmet and lay face down on the ground. Mahomes signaled to the sideline, asking for help from the trainers.
Q. How long was Myles Garrett suspended?
A. Garrett later said sorry for what he did. He called his actions “foolish” and “not like him.” He also thanked the players who supported him. The following day, the NFL suspended him indefinitely, at least through the rest of the 2019 season.
Q. What happened to Myles Garrett’s eyeball?
A. Thuney seemed to have scratched Garrett’s face, possibly near his eye. Garrett took off his helmet and lay facing the ground. Mahomes signaled for help from the sideline trainers. Garrett then got up and went to the locker room for more checks.