T.J. Watt has been absent from the Pittsburgh Steelers during voluntary workouts as he awaits a new contract, which could potentially make him the highest-paid defender in football. Currently in the last year of his four-year, $112 million deal, Watt’s performance has established him as an elite player, leading the NFL in sacks three times and earning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021. While the reason for his absence is unclear, Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith expressed confidence that Watt wants to remain with the team and that a deal will be reached soon.