Steelers Insider Confident About TJ Watt's Trade Status

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a part of rumors surrounding their outside linebacker room. The team has an abundance of depth at the position with three clear starters fighting for playing time. Many believe that a trade is possible for any of the three, as star pass rusher TJ Watt had a down year to his standards in 2025, there is an emerging star in Nick Herbig, and a solid player in Alex Highsmith, who seems to be the odd man out. 

All three have sparked rumors, as Watt's contract seems to be a high price to pay for his age. Highsmith's contract is on the higher end too, and Herbig needs a new contract in 2027. If the Steelers keep Watt and Highsmith, it seems like Herbig could be on his way out to look for more money. However, the Steelers might want to consider keeping the young edge rusher, since he has exceeded his expectations, being a former fourth-round pick. 

No matter what, Steelers writer and insider Bob Labriola responded to some fans in his recent Asked and Answered chat. One fan asked Labriola if Watt was on the trade block. Labriola responded bluntly. 

"There would be little reason for a new coaching staff to be interested in unloading a pedigreed player who also serves as a leader and example to his teammates in the way he works, and prepares, and conducts himself as a professional," Labriola wrote. 

Watt is a nine-year NFL veteran and owns the Steelers' franchise record in sacks. A freak accident of a punctured lung occurred towards the end of the 2025 season, however. This led to Watt being sidelined for four games and he required surgery to insert a chest tube to help reinflate his lung. The All-Pro had a less productive year, but his effect on the game was still clear. Now that he's made a full recovery, fans should be hopeful that he can bounce back to his usual weekly impact on the field. His 2025 season gave fans and pundits reason to speculate him being on the trade block. 

Watt being traded seems to be unlikely though. The price that a team would have to pay for him, in terms of draft capital, would be extremely high. He's considered to be a future Hall of Famer, and even if he was regressing, he's still a much more than above-average pass rusher. Another reason is his contract too. The Steelers are paying a hefty load of money to keep Watt in the Steel City as he signed a three-year, $123 million deal in July of 2025 that will keep until the end of the 2027 season. 

Watt's huge contract and his potential regression could be reasons to stay away from him. On the flip side, he provides way too much value for Pittsburgh. His leadership qualities and his loyalty to the organization are invaluable. The front office seems to want to get younger, and Watt's veteran status and skill set put him on a pedestal. The Steelers need him around as he's a cornerstone of the franchise. 

What Do The Steelers Do With Herbig And Highsmith?

There are plenty of possibilities for what happens to these two defenders. However, Herbig's 2025 season proved to many that he can be a capable starter in the National Football League. His demand for money will be the main reason why the Black and Gold would pass on bringing him back. It would be a huge investment for Pittsburgh if they wanted to keep all three, including Watt, long-term. Herbig's price might be too much to pay. However, Highsmith has proven himself to be an effective pass rusher when healthy, and a huge component in the Steelers' run defense. 

Highsmith could be shopped if the Steelers are that high on Herbig. If the Steelers are willing to part ways with Herbig, it seems like Watt and Highsmith will be the duo at edge rusher for the foreseeable future, as they have been for a while now already. However, the trio seems like it will have one more chance to run it back in 2026.

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