Steelers minicamp ends with Rodgers & Metcalf dazzling, but T.J. Watt's contract holdout looms. Get the latest on the situation from June 12, 2025.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The final day of mandatory minicamp wrapped up Thursday, and while the buzz around new acquisitions Aaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf was palpable, the most significant story was the player who wasn't there. Star pass rusher T.J. Watt's contract holdout became the official elephant in the room as the team broke for the summer, leaving fans to balance the thrill of a revamped offense with anxiety over the future of their defensive leader.
I'm optimistic we're going to get things done. We got two sides that want to get things done.
While the team went through its final paces of the offseason program, Head Coach Mike Tomlin faced the media to address the T.J. Watt situation head-on. He confirmed the team's commitment to securing Watt for the long term, stressing that there is no panic within the organization. 'I'm optimistic we're going to get things done,' Tomlin stated, emphasizing that both the Steelers and Watt's camp are aligned in their desire to reach an agreement. His calm demeanor suggests confidence that the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year will be back in black and gold before the pads come on for real.
On the field, the story was all about the new-look offense. The first live glimpses of Aaron Rodgers in a Steelers helmet throwing to a dominant receiver like D.K. Metcalf were enough to send waves of excitement through the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. The connection between the two new stars was an immediate focus, providing a preview of the explosive potential the offense now possesses. The coaching staff noted the importance of building a 'football environment,' and the presence of these elite veterans has clearly elevated the standard and the energy on that side of the ball.
It wasn't just the new superstars making noise. Younger players like cornerback Joey Porter Jr., offensive tackle Broderick Jones, and rookies Derrick Harmon and Will Howard all spoke to the media, expressing their excitement for the upcoming season. They highlighted a growing team chemistry and praised the leadership brought in by the new veterans. Their comments paint a picture of a focused, competitive locker room that is gelling well ahead of the rigors of training camp.
With Phase Three of OTAs and the three-day minicamp now complete, the Steelers have officially concluded their 2025 offseason program. Players will now have about a month off before the team reconvenes at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, for the start of training camp. Thankfully, the team escaped minicamp without any major injuries, setting the stage for a healthy and highly anticipated battle for roster spots.
And so, the Steelers break for a few precious weeks of summer. The offseason program is in the books, leaving Steeler Nation with a cocktail of high-octane offensive excitement and quiet, persistent concern over their defensive cornerstone. All eyes now turn to the front office to get the Watt deal done, and then to Latrobe in a month, where the 2025 season will truly begin to take shape.
