Pittsburgh Steelers edge-rusher T.J. Watt is considered among the best defensive players in the NFL.
An eight-time Pro Bowler, six-time All-Pro selection, and the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, Watt is one of the most accomplished pass-rushers of the last decade.
Since his rookie year in 2017, he ranks second to only Myles Garrett (125.5) in sacks (115) and sack yardage (827.5 to 731) — and he leads the league in forced fumbles (36) and fumble recoveries (14) over that span.
But is there a world where Watt wouldn’t be on the Steelers’ roster? According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there could be.
“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,” Fowler wrote. “Ascending pass rushers get paid. The Steelers want to keep Herbig but also have T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the books.
“… 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.”
Why It Matters
Though Watt is still a feared pass-rusher, he’ll turn 32 a few weeks into the 2026 season.
Highsmith is only 28 and Herbig only 24 — and given their pass-rush production along with defensive tackles Cam Heyward (53 pressures, 43 hurries, six QB hits, 3.5 sacks) and Keaanu Benton (33 pressures, 19 hurries, seven QB hits, 5.5 sacks) — the Steelers could be inclined to trade Watt.
The team could secure a plethora of draft picks, save $40-plus million in cap space over the next three seasons, roll the dice with the pass-rush group they have, and possibly draft a young stud edge-rusher in the loaded 2027 draft.
Texas’ Colin Simmons, South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart, Miami’s Damon Wilson II, Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei, Michigan’s John Henry Daley, Arkansas’ Quincy Rhodes Jr., and Ohio State’s Kenyatta Jackson could all go in the first round next year.
If Pittsburgh did put Watt on the trade block, they could presumably get back a package of at least a first-round pick plus a second-rounder and a few mid-round picks.
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