Insider: Teams Interested In Steelers' TJ Watt Should Be Calling Immediately

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to invest heavily in offseason improvements. They are fortunate to have significant cap space to help them accomplish this. However, after their end-of-season slump, many have suggested that they take radical action to be able to amass more draft picks. Edge rushing phenom TJ Watt is the most frequent target of these trade rumors. Widely considered one of the best defensive players in the league, Watt would command significant interest and give Pittsburgh the picks it needs to rebuild.

Most insiders feel this is highly unlikely. They view Watt as a one-helmet guy, like his teammate Cameron Heyward, and do not think the Steelers would let him go. That doesn't stop some from wishing.

This is the time of year when general managers start to casually call and make inquiries. While nothing formal can be done, it doesn't mean they don't feel each other out. A story recently broke that Pittsburgh called the Jacksonville Jaguars, asking about quarterback Trevor Lawrence. ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak told Kay Adams on her Up and Adams Show that teams should be making similar calls about Watt. 

"You know the other guy I would call about just to call about him," asked Solak. "TJ Watt's only got one year left on his deal and I feel like I would just want to make sure the Steelers are aware he only has one year left on his deal and if they don't want to extend him, be aware that other teams would be willing to extend him if they want to ship him over there. It was not the best TJ Watt season last year. So I wonder if the Steelers are worried about the age a little bit. He was not as fast off the ball, not as productive. He's $30 million, so it's a weird spot."

Now 30, Watt was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and everyone who's not a Cleveland Browns fan agrees he was snubbed in 2023. In 2024, the whole defense started hot and played like the most expensive defense in the league, including Watt. Then the whole train went off the rails, and the Steelers lost their last five games. 

Concerns were expressed that Watt wasn't as dominant as he had been in the past. Watt's defenders pointed out that he is not worried about stats, just winning. They also note how often offensive linemen held him while the officials turned a blind eye. However, Watt was "splashless" during the final four games of the season, recording zero sacks. During the Week 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had two sacks, Watt sustained an injury that was clearly plaguing him for the remainder of the season. 

Heyward pointed out that Watt was not a part of the team's problem, but rather a part of their solution. While fans might question his performance, no one can question Watt's heart or his desire to win games. He has been very vocal about wanting to stay in Pittsburgh and win with this team.    

Another Steelers Defensive Star Is Not Going Anywhere

Besides Watt, the defensive player most often mentioned for a trade is safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Like Watt in 2024, Fitzpatrick has struggled to return to the splash-zone. In 2024, Fitzpatrick had only one interception. He was still named to a Pro Bowl, but admitted some surprise. Those on the inside express how much Fitzpatrick contributes. 

While some fans might want him traded, the Pittsburgh media doesn't see that happening either; his dead cap hit is just too significant. Others note that what is happening with Fitzpatrick isn't entirely his fault, as he picks up the slack. 

Do you think the Steelers should trade Watt? Tell us what you think below! 

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