In what could be the NFL’s most seismic offseason shift, multiple high-profile teams are reportedly making serious inquiries to the Pittsburgh Steelers about a potential trade for six-time All‑Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt. Though the Steelers maintain they are not actively shopping their defensive cornerstone, the landscape could shift dramatically if contract negotiations continue to stall .
🔥 What ESPN Has Reported
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, after the Steelers traded for Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith, interest in Watt intensified. With Pittsburgh absorbing $19.6 million of Ramsey’s 2025 salary, speculation surfaced that the Steelers might be open to listening to offers for Watt .
Schefter noted that while multiple teams have made inquiries, the Steelers continue to insist they have “no intention of trading” Watt—and remain focused on striking a contract extension .
🧊 Coach Mike Tomlin Breaks His Silence—On ESPN
On a recent episode of ESPN’s “Unsportsmanlike”, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the swirling trade speculation directly. In a typically measured tone, Tomlin reaffirmed his commitment to Watt:
> “T.J. represents what the Steelers are all about—toughness, leadership, production. I’ve got no concerns about him being here. We’re committed to him—our goal is to extend and keep him in Pittsburgh.”
Tomlin didn’t explicitly deny the trade rumors but emphasized that Watt remains a “foundation piece” in the Steelers’ defensive identity.
💰 Contract Dispute: The Root Cause
Watt is entering the final year of his 2021-issued, four-year, $112 million contract, paying him an average of $28 million per season. However, he’s been silent during mandatory minicamps and voluntary workouts as he pushes for a market-leading deal—especially after Myles Garrett’s $40 million/year pact reset positional benchmarks .
Watt, now 30 (turning 31 this October), has been one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers: 108 career sacks through eight seasons, Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, and seven Pro Bowl nods . Yet the Steelers’ front office, Led by GM Omar Khan and President Art Rooney II, reportedly prefers to keep him—even with the contract talks stalled .
🏈 Conservative Stance vs. Financial Realities
Some outlets suggest Pittsburgh remains firm: Watt is “a legacy guy”, and the organization wants him to finish his career under the black-and-gold helmet . Still, rival teams—like the Raiders, Rams, and Bears—are believed to be formulating trade packages, including early draft picks and players, should Watt officially become available .
🕰️ What Happens Next
Now the ball is in Watt’s court. If the Steelers and Watt can bridge the gap—likely with a $35–40 million annual rate—this drama may fizzle quietly. If not, expect a full-blown trade market to emerge by training camp time (July–August 2025).
🧭 Final Take
Current stance: The Steelers say they are not trading Watt.
Rumor traffic: Multiple teams are inquiring—especially after the Ramsey acquisition.
On-air intel: Tomlin told ESPN he’s fully behind Watt and pushing for an extension.
Key cliffhanger: Can Pittsburgh and Watt agree on a new market-resetting contract? It’s their clearest path to retaining one of their defensive pillars.
Stay tuned: As training camp edges closer, this story is far from over. If no extension materializes, Watt’s future—and perhaps the Steelers’ defense—may hinge on bold decisions in the weeks ahead.
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