Even as seven-time Pro Bowl selection T.J. Watt skipped both OTAs and mandatory minicamp as he continues to seek a new contract, the Pittsburgh Steelers haven't been sweating his absence. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin on June 10 said he wasn't "surprised" by Watt's absence,

"Once we get our Hall of Fame outside rush-backer signed, you're talking about another guy who's a leader, not just by his example, but by his words," Rodgers said, hinting at Watt getting re-upped by the Steelers.

Watt is in the last year of the contract extension he signed in 2021, and presumably is looking for a significant pay raise after he stayed away from the club throughout its three-day mandatory minicamp that ran from June 10-12.