The Pittsburgh Steelers’ own tradition could doom them in their attempts to keep TJ Watt.

As Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network mentioned, the Steelers have a tradition not to offer a full guarantee beyond the first year of a veteran’s contract. However, Watt wants that additional guarantee aside from a significant pay raise.

Obviously, the disconnect between the Steelers’ informal and unofficial rule and Watt’s contract demands is causing the delay of an extension, despite previous reports that they were close to reaching a new contract. Kinkhabwala even noted she is no longer as “optimistic” as before that the negotiations between the two sides will progress.

According to recent reports, TJ Watt is looking to be the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL that will see his current $10 million salary increase to around $27 million per year.