Donnie Rightside said there is a “really high” probability T.J. Watt is absent from the first day of Steelers camp or pulls a classic ‘hold-in’ (present but not practicing). Rightside noted Pittsburgh still intends to keep Watt long-term, yet an extension is not close and the front office rarely breaks precedent on timing. With the new CBA allowing teams to fine veterans $50K per missed day, Watt’s leverage would come from sitting on the sideline and protecting his body rather than skipping camp entirely. Rightside reminded listeners that Watt has finished top-five in sacks four of the last five seasons and is the catalyst for Tomlin’s pressure-heavy scheme—any missed reps could ding early-season defensive props, individual sack futures, and IDP projections. Bettors taking early Steelers win totals or Week 1 lines should monitor Watt’s status daily.

Ben Stevens predicted Watt will sign a new deal and remain a Steeler through at least 2025. He compared the situation to Myles Garrett’s $40-million-per-year extension, noting only three edge defenders currently eclipse $35.5 M AAV. Watt’s $28 M salary ranks seventh despite finishing top-five in Defensive Player of the Year voting every season he’s played 15+ games. Stevens rattled off Watt’s resume—seven Pro Bowls, six All-Pros, NFL sack leader in 3-of-5 seasons, league-high six forced fumbles in 2023—to argue the franchise will match the rising edge-rusher market. Betting takeaway: Steelers futures and defensive award markets should be priced assuming Watt remains in black and gold all year.

Donnie Rightside said Pittsburgh is locked-in on a 2024 playoff push and therefore will keep T.J. Watt. His case: Watt is Mike Tomlin’s defensive centerpiece, owns seven straight Pro Bowls, six All-Pros, and has led the league in sacks three of the past five seasons while pacing the NFL in forced fumbles last year. Trading an elite edge rusher for futures would contradict the Steelers’ win-now approach after upgrading at quarterback, and Tomlin would never sign off on losing his "favorite son." Rightside added that the salary-cap math only becomes workable if Pittsburgh received a blue-chip pass-rusher plus picks, which no team will offer. Expect Watt in camp and anchoring a top-10 scoring defense—reassurance for anyone investing in Steelers season-long defensive props or rostering Pittsburgh’s DST/IDP pieces.