Tomlin 'optimistic' Steelers, Watt will sign extension 5r2t1t

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin believes the team will eventually reach an agreement with star linebacker T.J. Watt, who's skipping mandatory minicamp this week while seeking a new contract. 1g132g

"I'm optimistic we're going to get things done because we got two sides that want to get things done," Tomlin said Thursday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "When that's going to occur ... I do not know."

Watt, 30, is entering the final season of the four-year, $112-million extension he signed in 2021. However, there has reportedly been no progress in recent negotiations.

Tomlin wouldn't elaborate on whether he expects Watt to report for training camp in July.

"I'm not going to get into speculation there," the sideline boss added, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

Watt has been one of the NFL's premier defenders since the Steelers selected him in the first round of the 2017 draft. The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year has amassed 108 sacks in 121 appearances while claiming four first-team All-Pro berths. He's led the league in sacks three times.

Watt isn't the only high-profile edge rusher looking for a lucrative extension this year. Disgruntled Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is also holding out of Cincinnati's minicamp. Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons has been on the practice field despite not inking a long-term contract.