The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown no interest in moving T.J. Watt for assets. That alone makes any trade of the All-Pro outside linebacker unlikely despite rocky contract talks.
Yet, what would the Steelers end up getting if they explored that route? Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network believes it would be less than many would expect, as Watt aims to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
For Pelissero, that likely means ruling out a first-round pick for Watt, with a day two pick being the likeliest haul the Steelers could land for him.
“What can you get, at this point, for T.J. Watt?” Pelissero said. “For one thing, a 2026 draft pick doesn’t help you. But even if you were getting a 2026 draft pick, is somebody giving up a first-round pick and more for T.J. Watt? Again, never say never, Rich, but when the Bengals were — at Trey Hendrickson’s request — shopping Trey Hendrickson earlier this offseason, they were asking for a first-round pick. They weren’t being offered a first-round pick for a guy who led the league in sacks last year and has like 35 sacks over the past two seasons."
Watt, 30, will turn 31 in October and is coming off a second half of the 2024 season that saw him banged up and unproductive. The Steelers want to have some leverage against the perceived risk of Watt’s contract.
Myles Garrett’s $40 million per year already sets a high bar for the Pittsburgh Steelers to meet when it comes to the next extension for Watt. Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson could top that number, driving the asking price for Watt’s annual gross average and potentially guaranteed money up even more.
The 30-year-old edge rusher remains one of the NFL’s elites. At the annual league meetings last week, general manager Omar Khan said the team hopes to see Watt finish his career with the Steelers.
“I’m not going to get into the contract numbers, but if you’re referring to T.J. [Watt], I assume, I’ll just say that I’m very hopeful that T.J. will finish his career as a Steeler,” Khan said.
He had just 11.5 sacks this past year and dealt with multiple injuries throughout the season. Following the season, Watt noted he wanted to stay with the Steelers.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.