"Next Year": Steelers Trading TJ Watt During 2027 Offseason Much More Likely

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of decisions to make in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. The organization has a strong unit on defense, specifically with its edge rushers in TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. On Friday's episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Chris Carter mentioned when the team may look to potentially move on from one of those three contributors.

With 12 picks in this year's draft, Pittsburgh will have many options for when it is on the clock. While Watt did sign a contract extension last July, Carter believes he would be easier to trade down the road.

Watt's extension, which was signed in July of 2025, was for three years and $123 million. There are many rumors going around currently that suggest that the team could move off of him, Herbig, or Highsmith. However, some cold water was recently thrown on the idea of trading any out of the trio. While it appears the team most likely will not move on from them this year, Carter's comments indicate a decision could happen next year.

"I think Omar Khan is in a position where they could handle that this year," Carter said. "And then next year if you come to that draft, then TJ Watt's contract becomes a little bit more tradable and then I think maybe you say, 'Okay, we're ready to move into the Nick Herbig era. He's going to become a starter.' Then you make your decision on TJ."

General Manager Omar Khan has done an exceptional job of filling out the roster in positions of need for the Black and Gold this offseason. Given the praise Khan and his regime have received this offseason, the team appears poised to move forward with their current roster on top of the additions they will make in the 2026 draft. 

Carter may also be on to something when he eluded to Herbig, as he had a strong 2025 season in terms of forcing turnovers. He was able to force three fumbles, one interception, and added one on fumble recovery during the 2025 season.

Herbig's age may also be a factor in the decision the organization may have to make down the road. Herbig is just 24 years old, while Watt is now 31 and will turn 32 in October. Highsmith is also still just in his 20's and will not turn 30 until August of 2027. Revisiting a potential Watt trade down the road would allow Pittsburgh to also put their attention on edge rusher in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Steelers' 2026 Offseason Moves Should Keep Trio In Tact

The offseason moves made should be a key indicator involving the situation with the Steelers edge rushing trio. They were also able to bolster their secondary by bringing in cornerback Jamel Dean as well as safety Jaquan Brisker. The team appears to be set on defense, as they also got younger with the signings of Brisker and Dean, so their plans may truly be to keep their edge rushing trio around to complement a stronger secondary in the 2026 season.

Watt's extension in the summer of 2025 made him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in NFL history with an average annual value of $41 million. While Watt has seen his production decrease, he is often being double teamed and also missed some time in 2025 due to a partially collapsed lung. Should the organization put Watt on the trade block next year, Khan would most likely be receiving a lot of calls and offers.

While Watt would be a hot commodity on the trade market, Carter's comments appear to confirm that he will be staying in Pittsburgh no matter what in 2026. What happens after the 2026 season is anyone's guess, but he will be part of a monstrous trio up front in the Black and Gold. Assuming the trio stays in tact, the Steelers defense should be a very physical and intimidating one in the 2026 NFL season.

#SteelerNation