Most Steelers fans followed the preseason drama around rock star OLB TJ Watt’s contract extension by chewing their fingernails until they were gone. But for those who missed it, here’s a quick recap:
- TJ Watt was entering the final year of his contract
- The Steelers wanted to lock up the All Pro, Pro Bowl, AFC Defensive Player of the Year 2020 to a long-term contract
- Watt wanted to stay in Pittsburgh
- Watt attended team meetings and practice every day but was essentially staging a “hold in” – showing up every day as required by his contract but not participating in team or group drills in order to avoid injury prior to cutting a deal
- The Steelers have a long history of not carrying on contract negotiations during the regular season, and the Week 1 Sunday kickoff was looming as a deadline.