Report: Watt skipping minicamp amid contract negotiation

Pass-rusher T.J. Watt isn't expected to attend the Pittsburgh Steelers' mandatory minicamp this week, a source told The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Watt is looking for a new contract entering the final year of his current agreement, but there's been no progress on a long-term deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

The 30-year-old could be subject to fines totaling over $100,000 for missing the three-day mandatory camp, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said he's not surprised by Watt's absence and isn't concerned about the star pass-rusher's future with the team, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

A report earlier in June said Watt and the Steelers were discussing a new contract and that the expectation was to get a deal done before the start of the season.

The three highest-paid edge rushers - Myles Garrett, Danielle Hunter, and Maxx Crosby - signed new agreements this offseason. Garrett leads the pack with his four-year, $160-million contract.

Cincinnati Bengals pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson is also reportedly holding out of his team's minicamp amid a contract dispute. Hendrickson and Watt rank first and second, respectively, in the NFL in sacks over the past two seasons.

Watt was the league's highest-paid defender when he inked his current deal in 2021. He's set to cost the Steelers $30 million against the cap in 2025.

The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year has been named first-team All-Pro four times across eight seasons, all with Pittsburgh. No player has more sacks since Watt entered the league in 2017. He's also led the NFL in quarterback takedowns a record three times and tied the single-season sacks mark with 22.5.

Pittsburgh bolstered its offense by adding quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wideout DK Metcalf this offseason.