Mark Madden's Hot Take: What's the holdup with T.J. Watt's contract?

Why hasn’t T.J. Watt signed yet?

We keep getting told a contract extension is imminent. But the definition of “imminent” cites a time frame that is momentary, not several weeks.

Are the Pittsburgh Steelers flinching on giving Watt the guaranteed money he wants, reportedly in the neighborhood of $100 million?

If Watt becomes the highest-paid edge rusher in NFL history, what will safety Minkah Fitzpatrick want? His contract runs out after next season.

Seattle safety Jamal Adams got a four-year deal worth $70 million. Fitzpatrick will want more. (They always want more.)

Football’s three most important positions are quarterback, cornerback and left tackle. Once Ben Roethlisberger retires, the Steelers will have big money tied up at edge rusher and safety.

What happens if Watt doesn’t sign before next Sunday’s game at Buffalo?

Would Watt refuse to play? That seems likely. He has declined to fully practice despite being under contract for this season.

Watt is obligated to play. But he might not.

What do the Steelers do then? Do they buckle? Do they continue to negotiate with Watt during the season, breaking a long-standing policy?

Why isn’t Watt’s passive holdout and the possibility of him skipping Week 1 a bigger story? Why aren’t the fans angry, or at least tense?

Maybe Watt signing really is “imminent.” But if it is, what’s the holdup?

Week 1 is imminent. That’s an absolute certainty.

If Watt doesn’t play, losing to the Bills is all the more imminent. That, too, is an absolute certainty.