As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, they have some tough decisions to make. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig is likely seeking a contract extension and is expected to want starter-level money, and rightfully so. He has quietly become arguably the team's best pass rusher. With TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith under contract for the foreseeable future, it's tough to justify giving Herbig a big number, especially with the other extensions that still loom. The idea of the team potentially trading one of Watt or Highsmith was recently brought up, but nothing has gained any traction yet.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers linebackers TJ Watt (90), Alex Highsmith (56), and Nick Herbig (51) celebrate a big play in a regular-season game against the Ravens in the 2025 season.
Trading Watt would be tough; not only from a business standpoint, but also from a personal standpoint. He has been the face of the franchise since Ben Roethlisberger retired in 2021, and maybe even earlier. The former Wisconsin Badger is a former AP Defensive Player of the Year winner, an eight-time Pro Bowler, and a four-time All-Pro. He has also led the NFL in sacks three times.
Though, on the business side of things, Watt is 31 and will turn 32 during the 2026 season, and he is starting to decline. He did not live up to his massive cap hit in 2025. The new contract appears troublesome to move on from, but one trade idea was recently brought up regarding the Los Angeles Rams.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
TJ Watt celebrates a sack vs Drake Maye and the New England Patriots
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan, where he talked about the team's dilemma in the edge room. The host, Joe Starkey, suggested a team like the Rams would be well-suited for Watt, as they are potentially a player away on defense from winning another Super Bowl. Fittipaldo agreed and added his own trade scenario that should leave Steelers fans very pleased if it ever comes true.
"Maybe they would offer a first, and maybe, you know, a third or fourth, and maybe that would be enticing enough for the Steelers to do it" Fittipaldo suggested. "They have to go and get some picks in 2027, and if they're going to do that, trading a star player would be the way to go."
Fittipaldo mentioned teams like the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys trading their star players to load up on top draft picks. The Cowboys traded Micah Parsons, and the Jets traded Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams recently.
New York now has three first-round picks in 2027, and Dallas has two first-round picks in the top 20 for the 2026 NFL Draft. Both teams had to make the tough decision to move on from their best players; perhaps the Steelers should consider doing the same.
Steelers Need To Seriously Consider Moving Watt
With a new coaching staff in town, there's never been a better time. It would truly be starting fresh and giving the team a new look. While Watt is declining, as previously mentioned, he is still an effective player.
Perhaps the Rams, or even a team like the Detroit Lions, could use Watt's services. Pairing Watt with phenom Aidan Hutchinson would give them one of the best edge rushing tandems in the NFL. The Lions have lacked edge-rushing depth; this could be their chance to help Hutchinson.
Erin Hooley / Associated Press
Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt celebrates during a 2025 NFL game.
Moving Watt and extending Herbig would keep the team set at the edge rusher position for a few seasons. Jack Sawyer would get more playing time and continue to grow. However, one of these players could replicate what Watt has accomplished, and it would be unfair to hold them to those expectations. Hall of Fame players are hard to come by, and the Steelers got lucky to snag Watt 30th overall in 2017.
Now that he is at the end of his great career, it's time to move on. With a defense that could use some youth, sending Watt to a contender is a move general manager Omar Khan needs to heavily consider this offseason.
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