NFL Teams Circle T.J. Watt as Steelers Tread Carefully Through Trade Storm

NFL Teams Circle T.J. Watt as Steelers Tread Carefully Through Trade Storm

The Pittsburgh Steelers are staring down a franchise-altering dilemma, and it centers around one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL: T.J. Watt. According to multiple sources, teams around the league have begun serious internal conversations about the possibility of trading for Watt, the long-time face of Pittsburgh’s defense.

While no formal trade offers have yet been made public, the buzz is growing louder — and with good reason.

A Star Grows Restless

Watt, who has spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the Steelers, was noticeably absent from the team’s most recent minicamp. That decision raised eyebrows and sent a clear message: the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is frustrated, and it likely stems from his unresolved contract situation.

This isn’t the first time Watt has skipped team activities during the offseason. Earlier this year, he also opted out of voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), actions that many insiders now interpret as part of a broader contract standoff with the organization.

His current deal — a four-year, $112 million extension signed in 2021 — made headlines at the time for its size and structure. It averaged $28 million annually, a then-record for defensive players. However, that figure has since been dwarfed. Just three months ago, Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett inked a landmark deal worth an average of $40 million per year, with a staggering $123.5 million guaranteed — the richest deal ever given to a non-quarterback.

That contract reshaped the pass rusher market, and Watt, now heading into the final year of his deal, wants a seat at that financial table.

The Ramsey-Fitzpatrick Ripple Effect

Adding fuel to the fire was Monday’s blockbuster trade between the Steelers and the Miami Dolphins. Pittsburgh sent star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. The deal came as a shock to many — and may have even sent a subtle message to Watt.

Ramsey, a six-time Pro Bowler, received a $1.5 million salary bump as part of the transaction, bringing his 2025 earnings to $26.6 million. The Steelers are taking on most of his salary, while the Dolphins agreed to absorb $3 million. Meanwhile, Smith inked a one-year extension worth $12 million.

The trade not only signaled Pittsburgh’s willingness to shake up its roster — it also revealed they are willing to invest in veteran stars. But Watt, arguably the most impactful player on the roster, remains in contractual limbo.

To some, this move could be interpreted as Pittsburgh preparing for life without Watt. For others, it might simply reflect a team trying to load up for a final run while their elite defender is still in the fold.

Watt’s Silence Speaks Volumes

The usually quiet Watt has not spoken publicly since the end of the 2024 season. But in April, he took to Instagram to post a telling photo: himself in a Steelers jersey, holding up a peace sign.

There was no caption, no context — just the image. But for fans and insiders, the message felt unmistakable: Watt might be saying goodbye, or at least signaling discontent.

This isn’t just a case of a player demanding a raise. Watt’s age, career trajectory, and injury history make this situation delicate. He turns 31 in October and has battled injuries in recent seasons, even though his production remains elite. With 108 career sacks, he ranks sixth among active players and holds a slight edge over Garrett, his contract rival, in career totals.

For teams looking to make a push this season, Watt would be a transformative addition. For the Steelers, the question is whether they want to build around him — or cash in before his contract expires.

Steelers: All In or Time to Rebuild?

Publicly, the Steelers have maintained their desire to keep Watt in black and gold for the rest of his career. Privately, things might be more complicated.

The team now carries several expensive contracts, including Ramsey’s, and while they’ve never shied away from rewarding their stars, the new pass rusher market has changed the math. If the Steelers can’t come to terms with Watt on a new deal that fits their cap structure, the temptation to trade him for draft picks and young talent could become overwhelming.

Watt’s trade value remains sky-high. He’s a generational edge rusher who changes game plans and quarterbacks’ sleep schedules alike. Even with his age and salary demands, several contenders would likely be willing to part with a king’s ransom to get him in their locker room.

Which Teams Might Be Interested?

While no teams have gone on record about potential trade talks, insiders suggest that several playoff-ready franchises are actively monitoring the situation. A few names being floated include:

  • San Francisco 49ers: With an already elite defense, adding Watt could make them nearly unstoppable.
  • Philadelphia Eagles: Known for aggressive roster building, they could pounce if the price is right.
  • Buffalo Bills: Their defense has been just short of elite in recent years — Watt could be the missing piece.
  • Chicago Bears: With young assets and cap space, they could try to pair Watt with Montez Sweat for a dominant pass rush.
  • Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones never backs down from a blockbuster.

Of course, all of this remains speculative — but where there’s smoke in the NFL, there’s often fire.

The Clock is Ticking

Watt’s situation will likely come to a head in the coming weeks. Training camp is around the corner, and if he continues to hold out or remains quiet on contract talks, the pressure will mount on Pittsburgh’s front office to make a move.

The Steelers find themselves in a classic NFL tug-of-war: keep a disgruntled superstar and risk losing him for nothing, or trade him and deal with the backlash of parting with a franchise icon.

It’s not an easy decision. Watt is beloved by fans, respected in the locker room, and still performing at an elite level. But money talks — and right now, Watt is looking for a contract that speaks louder than his current deal.

A Legacy in Limbo

For years, T.J. Watt has embodied everything the Steelers have valued in a player: toughness, consistency, and leadership. His name is already etched alongside legends like Jack Lambert, James Harrison, and Troy Polamalu in the minds of fans.

But legacy and loyalty don’t always win out in the NFL — especially in the modern era, where the salary cap and contract structures often drive tough decisions.

If the Steelers do choose to move on, Watt’s departure would signal more than just a roster shake-up. It would mark the end of an era, and the beginning of a potentially massive rebuild.

On the other hand, a contract extension — perhaps somewhere between Garrett’s numbers and Watt’s current deal — could provide a compromise that keeps everyone happy and competitive.

Source: Sources: Teams mull possible trade offers for Steelers’ T.J. Watt

Conclusion

As it stands, T.J. Watt remains a Steeler. But the NFL landscape can change in an instant. With Watt holding firm on his contract stance and other teams circling, Pittsburgh finds itself at a crossroads.

Will they double down and reward their defensive anchor? Or will they do the unthinkable and trade away a future Hall of Famer?

One thing is certain: the eyes of the football world are now squarely on the Steel City.

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