Sources: Watt not attending Steelers minicamp

PITTSBURGH -- Aaron Rodgers is in the building, but T.J. Watt is not.

Watt is not attending the Pittsburgh Steelers' mandatory minicamp this week amid his pursuit of a new contract, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Watt, who is entering the final year of his current contract with the Steelers, also skipped voluntary OTAs earlier this offseason as he attempted to negotiate a new deal.

If he misses all three days of minicamp, Watt would be subject to nearly $105,000 in fines. The Steelers open their minicamp Tuesday, when Rodgers is expected to practice with his new teammates for the first time.

Watt last signed a four-year, $112 million deal in 2021 that averaged $28 million per year. Myles Garrett reset the pass-rusher market three months ago, however, with a record deal three months ago that averages $40 million annually and includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Watt, who turns 31 in October, hasn't spoken publicly since the end of the 2024 season, but he seemingly expressed frustration with the negotiations in April when he posted a picture to his Instagram story of himself flashing a peace sign in a Steelers jersey.

The Steelers, meanwhile, have remained steadfast in their optimism that a deal will get done with Watt. General manager Omar Khan told reporters in March that he was "very hopeful that T.J. will finish his career as a Steeler."

Watt has 108 career sacks -- 5.5 more than Garrett and the sixth-most among active NFL players. The four-time All-Pro was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and has spent his entire eight-year career with the Steelers.