In recent weeks, speculation has swirled around whether the Pittsburgh Steelers are prepared to trade star edge rusher T.J. Watt, who skipped the team’s most recent mandatory minicamp amid ongoing contract negotiations. Though Pittsburgh has made no public indication of trading him, multiple NFL teams have reportedly expressed interest in exploring a potential deal .
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🏈 What’s fueling the trade chatter?
1. Contract standoff escalates
Watt is entering the final year of his 2021 four-year, $112 million extension (approx. $28M/year), significantly below the current market rate for elite pass rushers like Myles Garrett, who recently secured a massive $160M guarantee (~$40M/year) .
Frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations, Watt notably skipped voluntary OTAs and the three-day mandatory minicamp from June 10–12, accruing fines over $100K .
2. Steelers’ aggressive offseason moves
On June 30, Pittsburgh executed a blockbuster trade, acquiring Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith from Miami in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick, and also signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wideout D.K. Methcalf. These moves demonstrate an all‑in push for another Super Bowl run .
The Ramsey trade, in particular, added strain to Pittsburgh’s salary cap, covering $19.6M of Ramsey’s $26.6M salary — prompting questions about whether Watt could be next .
3. Outside teams are paying attention
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “multiple teams have been discussing whether they can trade for Steelers’ standout T.J. Watt…” .
While the Steelers insist they’re not shopping Watt, NFL executives acknowledge increased inquiries from rival teams, especially in the wake of the Ramsey acquisition .
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Why Pittsburgh likely wants to keep Watt
Franchise centerpiece: A four-time First‑Team All‑Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, Watt has amassed 108 career sacks, 33 forced fumbles, and is a former Defensive Player of the Year .
Perfect fit in all-in strategy: With significant offseason investments, the Steelers view Watt as integral to their 2025 title hopes — head coach Mike Tomlin, Rodgers, and team brass have all signaled optimism about resolving the standoff and keeping Watt long-term .
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Which teams could emerge as suitors?
While any trade involving Watt would be monumental, a few teams make notable sense based on need and cap space:
Detroit Lions: With over $40M in 2025 cap room and a desire to complement Aidan Hutchinson with another elite edge, Detroit is a logical fit .
Green Bay Packers: With emerging talent like Rashan Gary and a connection through Aaron Rodgers, the Packers could be tempted — though this also comes with significant costs .
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Speculation has surfaced here too, though they’ve already invested in Haason Reddick and young edge rushers; a deal could siphon reps from in-house players .
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What it would take to make a trade happen
A trade for Watt would require a massive compensation package: premium draft picks, young pass rushers or starters, and a willingness for Pittsburgh to weather cap hit. Plus, the acquiring team must be prepared to offer a market-topping extension — possibly in excess of $40M/year — to meet Watt’s demands. The Steelers will also closely assess financial flexibility: trading Watt opens room, but the return value must justify moving a cornerstone player.
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🚨 So is a trade actually coming?
Short-term (before 2025 season): Very unlikely. Pittsburgh has made it clear, through Tom Pelissero and other insiders, that Watt is not available and that extending him remains the priority .
Mid-term (offseason or next year): If negotiations fail and Watt plays out the 2025 season without extension, the Steelers may explore trade possibilities — especially if they risk losing him for nothing after the year ends.
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What’s next?
Contract talks: Expect increased activity in the coming weeks, with Watt aiming for parity with the likes of Garrett — perhaps $35–$40M/year contracts .
Team stance: Pittsburgh continues to project confidence in reaching a compromise and keeping Watt in the fold.
Rival interest: With the trade deadline and next offseason looming, remaining contenders will continue to monitor Watt — and the Steelers’ cap flexibility — intensively.
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Bottom line
The story of T.J. Watt’s 2025 season is rooted in one key question: Can the Steelers resolve his contract standoff?
A successful deal keeps their pass-rush cornerstone intact for their Super Bowl push.
A breakdown could see rival teams probing, especially as cap space and performance pressures mount.
As of now, Watt remains a Steelers player — but the ticking clock on his deal, high-level interest, and Pittsburgh’s aggressive moves add tension to what could become one of the NFL’s most consequential contract stories.