NFL Executives Leak To Insider That Steelers Are Strongly Considering Trading TJ Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers have consistently had the highest-paid defense in the NFL over the course of the last few seasons. The units have been rather inconsistent, but the star power is very evident. One of the positional groups that leads the collective is the edge rushers' room. TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig might just be the best trio in all of football. Unfortunately, it's hard to compensate all of them in a manner in which they deserve, so as Herbig enters a contract year, many are wondering if the team is going to pay him top dollar or let him depart in 2027 free agency.

The Steelers' edge rushers have consistently been involved in trade rumors, but the main issue is that no one really knows which individual the organization would be willing to move on from. Watt's contract is astounding, while Highsmith's might be considered more manageable. Then, Herbig might just have the best upside because of his age and recent success.

Herbig hasn't had an opportunity to act as a full-time starter for the majority of his career, so it could be tough to put an exact number in front of him that will make him happy. That is exactly why some are thinking that he will refuse to sign a deal that could be viewed as disrespectful. Outside linebackers that are on the rise typically get a massive pay bump.

On Thursday morning, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported on what he is hearing from executives around the league regarding the 2027 offseason. One of the storylines is likely to be Herbig, who could cash in if the Steelers don't sign him to an extension prior to the legal tampering period opening up in March.

"Pittsburgh's No. 3 edge rusher produced 7.5 sacks in a part-time role last season, and plenty of teams would be glad to make him a full-time starter," Fowler wrote. "Ascending pass rushers get paid. The Steelers want to keep Herbig, but also have TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith on the books. If Herbig makes it to free agency, he'll be a player who's not a household name, but could be paid as one."

The next piece of information was rather shocking. It has always been assumed that Highsmith might be the one that ends up getting shopped; however, Fowler is hearing from executives that Watt is the one that could be on his way out.

"To the point above: If the Steelers end up signing Herbig long-term, having three large contracts allocated to one position is a tough proposition. Watt, for all his greatness, turns 32 in October and has guaranteed salaries of $32 million in both 2026 and 2027. Watt is a legacy player, something Pittsburgh values more than most. But some teams could see Pittsburgh at least considering moving on from him."

The fact that teams are thinking that Watt will be available could mean that the Steelers have already put that information out there in a very sneaky manner. It would be very unlikely for the organization; however, it can't be ruled out with General Manager Omar Khan.

Steelers Likely Need To Sign Herbig In 2026 Offseason If Plan Is To Keep Him

The franchise tag is always a possibility, but it is a very hefty number, especially for edge rushers. If Pittsburgh doesn't agree to terms with Herbig prior to the 2026 campaign, the next time to negotiate won't be until after the season ends due to a longstanding rule of the organization. So, fans will get a much better idea of the possibility of a Watt or Highsmith trade based on when/if Herbig signs at some point in the summertime.

This will continue to be a situation to monitor. It has always been believed that Watt would never be wearing anything other than the Black and Gold, but, now, things could be changing. The future Hall of Famer might not be playing for the Steelers come 2027 if the organization decides to choose Herbig and Highsmith over him.

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