Steelers DC Keith Butler staying out of trouble over T.J. Watt’s contract

Asked DC Keith Butler if he expects to get TJ Watt back at practice next week. The smile says everything. pic.twitter.com/nLOefROkhv

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 1, 2021

With the NFL preseason in the books, the Pittsburgh Steelers can now turn their attention to preparing for the regular season and their opening week matchup with the Buffalo Bills in less than two weeks. This also means the Steelers are only a few days away from the franchise deadline to negotiate contract extensions. The player on everyone’s mind, including defensive coordinator Keith Butler is outside linebacker T.J. Watt.

However, if Butler has any insight about whether or not Watt will be returning to practice next week, he’s not saying to protect himself. “That’s a good question,” Butler said. “Don’t know.”

Earlier in the offseason, Butler had hinted he hoped Watt would get his new contract and seemed to be rooting for him. This must have gotten him in some trouble and he decided to talk about it a little. “Sometimes the truth gets your butt in trouble in this league so I’m gonna keep my mouth shut.”

Will Watt and the Steelers come to an agreement on a huge new contract extension? I’ve contended since the beginning this deal would be done before the start of the season but even my unwavering confidence is starting to wane.