"Wink, Wink": Steelers Reportedly Seriously Considering Trading 1 Of Their Highest-Priced Guys Come 2026 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers have entered an interesting stage of the 2025 season. The fan base is calling for Head Coach Mike Tomlin to be fired, but the organization is 6-6 with a legitimate shot at winning the AFC North. That isn't stopping the Black and Gold faithful from desiring a complete revamp of both the roster, and coaching staff, however. A lot will be determined with the team set to compete in the final five contests of the campaign, and there aren't too many easy wins left on the schedule. An absolutely fascinating 2026 offseason may be on the horizon.

General Manager Omar Khan is set to have over 10 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. A lot of those will be needed because youth needs to be injected into several positional groups. It remains to be seen how aggressive the front office will get and if some of the picks will be used to move up in any given round, but there are going to be options regardless of what the internal decision-making process ends up being.

One of the more intriguing situations is the need to improve the offense. Without a doubt, the Steelers need a franchise quarterback. The depth chart also is desperate for a playmaker who can work in alongside DK Metcalf. If the goal is to fix both spots in 2026, two first-round selections may be necessary.

Team insider and veteran reporter Gerry Dulac hosted his weekly fan chat on Wednesday for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. When asked if a full-on rebuild is necessary, he said no, but did imply that a blockbuster trade is already being considered.

"They never blow it up, nor do I think they should, but I would not be opposed to trading away one of your highest-priced guys after the season and hoping you get a No. 1 pick in return," Dulac wrote. "Trust me, it is not far-fetched (wink, wink). Problem is, sometimes the value depreciates as you go."

There truly is only one logical name that comes to mind when pondering how the Steelers could get a first-round pick. TJ Watt is under contract for several seasons after signing an extension, while Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith are capable starters. Dealing the 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year would lead to $10 million in dead cap money, but $32 million in savings if the trade is designated as a post-June 1st move.

The only other candidate that may, but is unlikely to, generate a first-rounder in return would be Jalen Ramsey. The veteran has proven he can transition to free safety and be successful; however, it probably wouldn't make sense for another franchise to offer up that kind of capital. Based on the Steelers' projected cap numbers for 2026, Watt is the only one who also is a very expensive player that could also land the team a first-round pick.

Individuals like Highsmith, Cameron Heyward, Patrick Queen and Pat Freiermuth are likely not worth a first-round offer, which is why connecting the dots may lead one to believing that Dulac thinks Pittsburgh will entertain the idea of sending Watt off to another organization.

Steelers Trading TJ Watt Would Strictly Be A Business Decision

There should be no one in the city of Pittsburgh that doesn't appreciate everything Watt has done for the franchise. That doesn't mean, however, that trading him wouldn't be a smart business decision during the 2026 offseason. He has been an impressive force since being drafted, but has yet to win a playoff game. It has often been talked about that Tomlin needs a fresh start, and it's also possible that Watt may too.

Do you think that the Steelers could trade Watt in 2026? Let us know in the comments below!

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