Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt is absent from mandatory minicamp as he’s looking for a new contract. He did not […] This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Insider Provides Update on T.

Steelers star edge rusher T.J. Watt, who is entering the final year of his contract and seeking an extension, does not plan to attend mandatory minicamp, league sources said Tuesday. Watt’s decision could mark Day 1 of a long staring contest if the negotiations unfold in a manner anywhere similar to his last contract dispute.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, in speaking this week about an eventual new contract for one of the most feared pass rushers in the league in T.J. Watt, did say he is "optimistic.''