Latest TJ Watt update is more bad news for Steelers fans during OTAs

Pittsburgh Steelers v Las Vegas Raiders
Pittsburgh Steelers v Las Vegas Raiders | Chris Unger/GettyImages

Former Wisconsin Badger star TJ Watt is in the midst of an ongoing contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers. There will be places and sources that downplay it and say things like, "Missing OTAs is not a sign of doom for Watt and the Steelers." But it is what it is. Watt is entering the last year of his contract and is asking for a hefty extension, and the Steelers are not at the same number as Watt.

TJ Watt with a 'significant' contract offer from the Steelers but is it really?

The TJ Watt drama in the NFL is entering a new stage of contract negotiations. They have entered into the level of "Steelers insider (Mark Kaboly) says the Steelers have a significant offer on the table for Watt, but he doesn't want it." This stage is a PR level of lobbying by Pittsburgh. We will eventually see TJ Watt's side respond with, "It's actually not that significant." And the sides will continue to go back and forth.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac wrote about the negotiations, "In all likelihood, the Steelers will come to some agreement with Watt, their all-time sack leader. But it might not be that easy."

Things are looking dicey for TJ Watt's future in Pittsburgh, but at 30 years old, he may not have many options but to either negotiate at a place that works for both parties or play out the final year of his contract and then explore free agency.

Wisconsin Badger fans are looking over the shoulder of the NFL and rooting for TJ Watt to have continued success. It's less about him staying in Pittsburgh and for him to continue to be dominant. It would be a home run to see him become paid in the range of the highest pass-rushers in the NFL. He's deserving and has many good years left to take down quarterbacks.