NFL insider hints that T.J. Watt may not have much time left with the Pittsburgh Steelers amid budding star’s upcoming contract
The NFL seems to think that sooner rather than later, the Steelers may have to move off T.J. Watt, and it could be because of one of their own players.
There are three positions in the NFL you can never have enough of: offensive tackles, cornerbacks, and pass rushers. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they have put a significant amount of resources into building up two of those three position groups this offseason. Look no further than the signing of CB Jamel Dean and the first-round selection of OT Max Iheanachor.
But at the pass rusher position, the Steelers boast arguably the best four-man rotation in the league with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer. Which is a great problem to have, untill it comes time to pay everyone.
T.J. Watt Career Accolades
- 8x Pro Bowler.
- 4x first-team All-Pro
- 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
ESPN says T.J. Watt trade could be possible with Nick Herbig’s contract looming
“Pittsburgh’s No. 3 edge rusher produced 7.5 sacks in a part-time role last season, and plenty of teams would be glad to make him a full-time starter. Ascending pass rushers get paid. The Steelers want to keep Herbig but also have T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the books. If Herbig makes it to free agency, he’ll be a player who’s not a household name but could be paid as one.”
“To the point above: If the Steelers end up signing Herbig long term, having three large contracts allocated to one position is a tough proposition. Watt, for all his greatness, turns 32 in October and has guaranteed salaries of $32 million in both 2026 and 2027. Watt is a legacy player, something Pittsburgh values more than most. But some teams could see Pittsburgh at least considering moving on from him.” – Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Would the Steelers actually consider trading T.J. Watt?
There is a common phrase that Steelers GM Omar Khan and HC Mike Tomlin would throw around with T.J. Watt when he was looking for a new deal last offseason: “one helmet guy.”
This is a player who, back in 2021, ended his holdout with the Steelers, going against his agent’s wishes to sign a deal and get back to work. A player who has been introduced last for years now. The most popular jersey in circulation, and someone who you could argue is on the Mt. Rushmore of Steelers’ legends.
To move on from Watt would take a lot, in my opinion. Watt’s perceived regression in 2025 would have to be an actual regression in 2026, with him taking a major step back in what is a go-for-it-all year in Pittsburgh.
And even then, I have a tough time envisioning the Steelers saying “see ya later” to the face of the franchise, but time will tell.