Watt's Up with T.J.?

[Northern_Blitz]

If the Steelers don't do it for a franchise QB, there's no way in Hades they should do it for a LB. Beyond that, it's a precedent setting decision. Next up, Fitz. Then JJSS, then eventually Harris. No thanks.

Only PIT, GB, and AZ? do not guarantee beyond the first year of a contract. But a roster bonus is an easy threshold for a player like Watt.

EDIT: part of my past job was making decisions on multi -hundred thousand dollar claims by our customers. It was always drilled into us about understanding precedent setting decisions. Once opened it can never be shut. The courts sight precedence every time.

Especially at this point in his career when we have so much leverage.

[SteelBucks]

This whole situation is exhausting. I never thought this contract would be this difficult. I wonder how much JJ is in his ear?

[Northern_Blitz]

This whole situation is exhausting. I never thought this contract would be this difficult. I wonder how much JJ is in his ear?

My guess is that it's not actually much different than recent high profile contracts.

But we all want to hear about it, so they keep writing and tweeting about it.

IMO it's really hard to believe it won't get done given the incentives involved on both sides.

[NJ-STEELER]

As much as I think that WWE Madden is a blowhard, he's right, why would the Steelers change what they do for an edge rusher, even the best one in the game right now? He isn't a QB, CB or LT and he shouldn't and doesn't carry the sway that 17 year veteran Ben Roethlisberger carries. It's getting down to the nitty gritty now. One side is going to have to give in.

Pappy

1. It’s their most important position in the defense.

2. If not already, he is the face of the franchise once ben hangs them up.


but you have to blame both sides here IMO.
FIRST why did the Steelers put out a statement that he will be signed and be the highest payed D player on the league and now have this stall.
It’s a sign of the times. They might have to change their ways.
And TJ is being a little greedy here. Is Getting the guaranteed money in the signing bonus or over 18 months that much of a difference.
Id say there’s a 1% chance he wouldn’t see all that guaranteed money. He’s seen what the team has done with shazier as they kept him in the roster so he gets paid while not being able to play.

why wouldn’t they do something similar with TJ if he were injured

[hackjam]

Both sides are probably being greedy, that's kind of the name of the game with these things.

The Steelers historically pay out a higher percentage of contracts than most (if not all) other teams. With that said, can't blame TJ for wanting a big check up front.

I do think the Steelers have "gotten with the times" a bit this past year. They used void years in a number of contracts which was unprecedented (for them anyway).

My best guess is they're close on a total number but working out roster/workout/signing/etc. bonuses. Probably guaranteed salary as well.

[NJ-STEELER]

This is an interesting question.

Not sure if you can avoid the draft this way in the NFL.

But I think you probably have to be in a draft before you sign as a UFA? That would be sensible, but maybe they haven't had anyone do this yet so it's not in writing?

I think there is a work around like this in the NHL for NCAA players. I think players that go through the Canadian minor system have to go to the draft. But I think NCAA players can bypass the draft (maybe only if they play 4 years?).

Jimmy Vesey and Alex Kerfoot are guys that I think took this path.

I don't think this has been "fixed" by a CBA yet.

But I think it only works in the NHL because it's age based. And guys who play in the NCAA for 4 years are as old as guys who get drafted from the CHL and play through their entry level deal.

Maybe the NFL has a rule like this? The youngest NFL player drafted was 19. Maybe you can't be a UFA until you're 23 unless you went through the draft?

both those guys were drafted. Then finished their ncaa careers and didn’t sign with the team that drafted them. Making themselves free agents.

but theyre drafted when 18 years old.
Teams that draft then get 4 years to sign them if they go play ncaa.
( I think juniors is 2 years)

example. scott Parker ( big goon for Colorado years ago ) was originally a 3rd rounder for the devils. After not being able to sign him for 2 years he went back into the draft where he was taken by the AVs in the 1st round

[Northern_Blitz]

Both sides are probably being greedy, that's kind of the name of the game with these things.

The Steelers historically pay out a higher percentage of contracts than most (if not all) other teams. With that said, can't blame TJ for wanting a big check up front.

I do think the Steelers have "gotten with the times" a bit this past year. They used void years in a number of contracts which was unprecedented (for them anyway).

My best guess is they're close on a total number but working out roster/workout/signing/etc. bonuses. Probably guaranteed salary as well.

Welcome to the board hackjam!

[Northern_Blitz]

both those guys were drafted. Then finished their ncaa careers and didn’t sign with the team that drafted them. Making themselves free agents.

but theyre drafted when 18 years old.
Teams that draft then get 4 years to sign them if they go play ncaa.
( I think juniors is 2 years)

example. scott Parker ( big goon for Colorado years ago ) was originally a 3rd rounder for the devils. After not being able to sign him for 2 years he went back into the draft where he was taken by the AVs in the 1st round

Thanks for the correction NJ.

I'll see myself to the penalty box.

[Sword]

He is probably freaking out with dollar signs of his new fiance and 2.5 caret diamond he gave her…

[NorthCoast]

another cryptic IG post;

[SteelBucks]

another cryptic IG post;

He’s going back to college. More money now available in the college game.

[flippy]

I like TJ and all, but IÂ’m starting to think how good is it really to have so much money tied up in one guy?

Maybe our worst case scenario where he doesnÂ’t sign turns into a blessing in disguise. Not immediately of course, but for the long term.

His brother did breakdown after signing his big contract. Could be a pattern to consider.

Also, TJÂ’s played 2 playoff games and virtually disappeared in those games. A guy making $30m or so a year should be a guy that makes an impact in playoff games imho.

[feltdizz]

I like TJ and all, but IÂ’m starting to think how good is it really to have so much money tied up in one guy?

Maybe our worst case scenario where he doesnÂ’t sign turns into a blessing in disguise. Not immediately of course, but for the long term.

His brother did breakdown after signing his big contract. Could be a pattern to consider.

Also, TJÂ’s played 2 playoff games and virtually disappeared in those games. A guy making $30m or so a year should be a guy that makes an impact in playoff games imho.

This is the type of contract you give out when you don’t plan on winning anything for a while and just want a gave for the franchise.

Sorry Watt but I think Minkah and Najee can be the face of our team for less than $30 mill per for the next 4 to 5 years.

I would pay Watt $20 mill at the most.. and if that is insulting then he can kick rocks.

[Northern_Blitz]

I like TJ and all, but IÂ’m starting to think how good is it really to have so much money tied up in one guy?

Maybe our worst case scenario where he doesnÂ’t sign turns into a blessing in disguise. Not immediately of course, but for the long term.

His brother did breakdown after signing his big contract. Could be a pattern to consider.

Also, TJÂ’s played 2 playoff games and virtually disappeared in those games. A guy making $30m or so a year should be a guy that makes an impact in playoff games imho.

This is what happened in the Bell case.

If it turns out this way, the team will still go on.

But I think it gets done before everyone turns into pumpkins.

[SteelBucks]

So did TJ show and actually practice today? Yes I’m bored….