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PITTSBURGH – More than two weeks into the Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp, star linebacker TJ Watt hasn’t made it into a single team period.
Coach Mike Tomlin was vague when asked about Watt’s absence from these drills, saying on Saturday that Watt “works hard with our coaches”.
Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler says, however, that he doesn’t expect Watt to be really on the pitch until he and the team agree on an overtime – one that could reset the on-board rusher market.
“It’s none of my business,” Butler said when asked about Watt’s return schedule. “I hope he signs the contract and does it, and when he does, we’ll talk about it.”
Watt, 26, has attended each of the Steelers’ 12 practices and traveled to Canton, Ohio, for the Professional Football Hall of Fame game against the Dallas Cowboys last Thursday. He has participated in individual drills and spends many team periods training with defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt.
“I don’t blame him for that because you don’t want to get hurt when trying to close your deal,” Butler, a former linebacker himself, said of Watt’s absence during team times. . “You kind of lose some flexibility as to what kind of contract you can sign. So I don’t blame him for that. I hope they will. As a former player representative for the association of the players when I came out, I was always for the players. I hit twice for the players. I knew I was not going to win the money they get. I want them to win that much money they can in this league. I think they deserve it. “
Watt was second to Aaron Donald in Defensive Player of the Year vote last season after racking up 15 sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception and 23 tackles for a loss. Entering his fifth and final year of his rookie contract, Watt declined to discuss his contractual situation with the Steelers this offseason. Because of his well-deserved reputation as a hard worker and team leader, Watt’s absence is no distraction, Butler said.
“Everyone knows TJ,” Butler said. “Everyone knows he’s a good teammate. He wants to be there. He really wants to be there, but some things you have to do. It’s a business. We all like to think it is. a game, but when all is said and done, it’s a business. “
Steelers president and owner Art Rooney II has said his goal is to secure a new contract with Watt before the start of the regular season. It is the policy of the Steelers not to negotiate contracts during the regular season.
“We would like to get TJ’s deal done, if we can, before the start of the season,” Rooney said earlier this week. “That’s the point.
“… I try not to be optimistic or pessimistic. I’ve seen these things unfold in so many different ways over the years. We’re just going to do our best, and I think both sides want to do it. something, then it’s always a good thing. “
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