Is T.J. Watt On Commerce Desk For Steelers?

Is T.J. Watt now on the commerce desk for the Steelers after the Minkah Fitzpatrick transfer?

Groups have begun calling the Steelers about T.J. Watt with elevated frequency, however is he actually on the commerce desk? Since they dealt Minkah Fitzpatrick in a commerce that introduced them Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, they’re clearly open for enterprise. Or at the least they had been—however are they carried out, or will they entertain attention-grabbing presents?

It’s laborious to think about T.J. Watt not ending his profession with the Steelers, however they’re in a tricky spot. At this level, they’re taking a look at paying him $40 million or extra, with two or three years assured. He’s on the fallacious aspect of 30, and he recorded his lowest sack complete in a wholesome season since his rookie 12 months. At what level, and with what compensation, do you critically entertain a commerce?

Thoughts you, even with out a commerce on the thoughts for Watt, the Steelers have insulated themselves at exterior linebacker. Even they prefer to name Nick Herbig a starter in ready, and Alex Highsmith has already confirmed himself. To that, they simply added Jack Sawyer within the fourth spherical, and you may throw Jeremiah Moon or Julius Welschof into the combination.

One has to marvel how far aside the 2 sides is perhaps, particularly compared to the final contract negotiation. There was no method the Steelers would have entertained a commerce at the moment, however T.J. Watt is almost 31. Typically, they refuse to be the staff that does issues simply because different groups are doing them. In the event that they don’t really feel Watt deserves $80-plus million in ensures at this level in his profession, they received’t do it.

And if he attracts a line within the sand, what then? Let’s say a staff calls and presents a first-round choose after which some to commerce for T.J. Watt. I do know plenty of Steelers followers would pull the set off on that commerce, however what the Steelers?

One key issue is the 2025 season, by which they seem like going all in. Even with a watch towards the 2026 NFL Draft, they appear to consider they’ll win with Aaron Rodgers. It will make no sense for the Steelers to commerce Watt whereas additionally buying and selling for DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, and Jonnu Smith. In fact, in addition they traded George Pickens and Minkah Fitzpatrick—however neither of them are T.J. Watt.

The Steelers are rebuilding, or reloading, no matter they really feel the necessity to name it, after one other disappointment final season. Although they limped into the playoffs, they as soon as once more embarrassed themselves therein.

Identical to final 12 months, the largest query hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback query. Whereas they in the end traded George Pickens, they produce other selections to make. The 2025 NFL Draft class is now behind us, so a lot of the roster building is full.

However we nonetheless have an extended offseason forward for Steelers soccer, or soccer in shorts. Not less than we will lastly put the Aaron Rodgers state of affairs to mattress and transfer on to different issues. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and filling holes as we go.