The Steelers’ standoff with T.J. Watt continues amid the star edge rusher’s desire to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
The impasse in negotiations has naturally led to trade speculation. Though teams have reportedly inquired about Watt, the Steelers’ position has been clear: they have no intention of moving the current face of their franchise.
However, the Steelers have been evaluating Watt’s trade value, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk). Kaboly said on 93.7 The Fan that Pittsburgh is “obviously inquiring” about the potential return of a Watt trade, characterizing it as “due diligence” as the team is still focused on retaining their all-time sack leader.
Still, exploring Watt’s value on the trade market could give the Steelers information to help them in their negotiation and decision-making process. Lowball offers would indicate that other teams would not sign Watt to a top-of-the-market extension and instead see him as a one-year rental. More aggressive valuations would suggest that other teams see Watt as a long-term investment and may be willing to meet his contract demands.
This is a common practice for teams in contract stalemates, especially with older players. Taking calls on Watt is unlikely to inspire the Steelers to trade him, but it will clarify his value around the league and help them hone in on agreeable extension terms.
Of course, it is possible that another team could blow the Steelers away with their offer and get newly-extended general manager Omar Khan to consider moving the four-time All-Pro. Teams in similar situations have reverse course once the trade compensation hits the table, and Pittsburgh’s desire to add a top quarterback prospect in the 2026 draft may make them more willing to consider a deal. It’s worth noting, however, that interested teams are likely contenders who will only get better by adding Watt, capping the value of their draft picks, which will likely be late in the round.
The expectation remains that Watt and the Steelers will find a way to agree on terms before the season starts. Watt skipped OTAs and minicamp, but is not expected to hold out from training camp. However, he has never expressed any desire to leave Pittsburgh and seems unlikely to demand a trade to fulfill his financial wishes.
Uh oh
Steelers famous for bad decisions so they’ll do whatever the worst choice is
Bad decisions compared to who? All sports/franchises make easy hindsight decisions to the fan base. Please tell me your team and genius decisions that the Steelers can never compare to?
Yeah you’re bright, aren’t you
My question was asked to someone else. I will kindly wait for their reply. Do you even know how to ask a question? It ends with a question mark.
Steelers are actually pretty on spot of when to get rid of people
Claypool
Brown
Bryant
Johnson
Still seems weird to sign a 41-year old quarterback and trade for a 30 year old corner just to then turn around and trade the best player on the team.
Forgot to mention said best player is 30yrs old. They sure do operate strangely these days.
Goodness gracious please let this saga end soon lol the holdout contract offseason news is the worst time
A T L!!! A T L!!! A T L!!!