The Steelers’ willingness to trade one star defender could inspire attempts to acquire T.J. Watt amid his contract standoff with the team.
Multiple teams have been exploring trading for Watt since he skipped Pittsburgh’s mandatory minicamp earlier this month, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who added that “sources believe outside team interest is likely to increase given today’s trade.” Schefter also noted that “Pittsburgh hasn’t shown any willingness to deal Watt so far,” and 10 minutes later, that was confirmed by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
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“The Steelers have no intention of trading star pass rusher T.J. Watt and their focus remains on extending Watt’s contract, per sources,” wrote Pelissero. That aligns with virtually every other report regarding the situation, which have expressed confidence that the two sides will come to an agreement before the season.
It is easy to see why the Steelers want to hold onto Watt, who ranks second in the NFL with 30.5 sacks since 2023. All of the team’s offseason moves, especially their signing of Aaron Rodgers, indicates their intention to try to compete in 2025, but dealing Watt would be a critical blow to their pass rush.
However, the Steelers are planning to draft a quarterback early in the 2026 draft, which could be part of a broader organizational reset. The team’s success under Mike Tomlin has consistently positioned their top pick in the back half of the first round, making it difficult to acquire a top quarterback prospect. A sizable offer for Watt could draw Pittsburgh’s attention if they believe it will help them land a franchise signal-caller in 2026.
A number of edge rushers have been traded in the last few years, but none have merited a first-round pick (or equivalent value) since the Broncos dealt Bradley Chubb in 2022. The Steelers should be able to get at least as much for Watt, even considering his contract demands, based on his age and the Hall of Fame-caliber resume he has compiled. But they seem to have little desire to hear such offers until and unless they have exhausted every possible path for an extension.
Keep seeing people say these moves show that the Steelers are in “win now” mode.
Not with a 41 year old QB.
They are in “hope now and set the team up as well as possible for a rookie QB next year to still win with” mode.
I do not like this GM. That Minkah trade is a f’n joke!
Laughable the fleeced Miami
Franchise him and then let him walk
Agreed. I just don’t see many players as being untouchable at this age and with this type of salary
The fact that their linebacking corp is deep makes getting a haul for him a no brainer
But he’ll pout and sit out training camp and voila, sign in time for the opener
He has one more year left.
Desperate to believe you’re in win now mode with a QB who hasn’t been to the playoffs in what 4 years ? Pittsburgh got railroaded on this deal.
Steelers are in win now mode, for good or ill. They aren’t trading Watt unless they get an equal piece back.
Win now? With that line and the two big (disruptive) personalities, Pittsburgh will be ready to deal players before the trade deadline.
But they’ve had “disruptive” personalities all along. And that’s only the ones we know of. Harrison. Woodley. AB. Leveon. Even Roethlisberger.
It’s an overused term.
It should only matter when it’s a game problem. What did they do with Claypool? Diontae? Pickens?
I’d send him off to the highest bidder.
This season is going to be a total disaster for PIT. Rodgers is about to insist on the MM early 10’s offense. They’ll trade for Lazard. 12… er… 8… doesn’t throw to TE’s. Jonnu will be wasted on PIT. The first verbal shots will be taken at Arthur Smith by week 3 on McAfee. Staring daggers at the sideline. Then refusing to throw to Metcalf because he was 1 yard away from where God… er…. Rodgers expected him to be. Ramsey will pout when they lose a few games.
Tomlin resigns by the end of the year and PIT finishes in the cellar of the AFCE. Mayyyybe 3rd.
Take the under, folks.
Meanwhile, they trade their all pro Safety for an older, used to be all pro CB with and attitude. And in bringing in the new guy, they further alienate their actual best player in Watt.
You can’t make this stuff up. This is Browns level stupidity.
What’s it like to geting triggered like that by the Steelers making a good trade?
Yeah, so many fans want to dwell on personalities and what these guys say off the field. Really, who cares? I don’t want to hang out with them, I just want them to play well
I tend to think there’s more hope with this team than in years. And this trade? They got one of the best cover D-backs in the league for a guy who’s been invisible at times
Tomlin resigns? Lmfao
Rodgers is team killer. Yes. Tomlin quits.
Tomlins relationship with the team is way too strong for 1 year of Rodgers to ruin anything especially since the people above him are the ones that offered Rodgers a contract. You’re just yappin.
And yet… PIT is favored in only 6 games this year. It’s gonna get late real early.
I understand that for sure and think they’re 8-9 at the end of the season, but Tomlin isn’t going anywhere.