Main Photo: Barry Reeger Imagn Images

Latest On T.J. Watt, Steelers Trade Rumors

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Jul 12, 2025 1:46 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt are working on a new contract, and teams have reportedly called Pittsburgh to gauge trade interest. A first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Watt quickly became one of the premier players in the league and is widely considered to be the best or second-best pass rusher in football. A seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-Team All-Pro, the Wisconsin product finished the 2024 season with 11.5 sacks, 61 tackles, 19 tackles-for-loss, a league-best six forced fumbles, and a 91.7 PFF grade, the third-best mark in the league.

While T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t made much, if any, progress in extension talks, one report indicates the team will not trade him. According to Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show, Watt is expected to report to training camp and the Steelers are not taking calls on him.

Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs with the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) chases in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

REPORT: Steelers, T.J. Watt Likely to Avoid Trade

While the Steelers and T.J. Watt appear to be avoiding a trade, the conflict between the two sides is far from resolved. While Watt will report to training camp, he will probably hold-in and skip practice. This allows him to avoid fines and remain around the team while still expressing his frustration with his current contract.

After another season with an early playoff exit, the Pittsburgh Steelers went all-in to build a roster capable of going on a deep playoff run. With Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf, and Jalen Ramsey in town, Pittsburgh believes it has the tools to seriously compete in 2025. However, their odds of winning it all (or even winning a single playoff game) drop precipitously without Watt on the roster. Chances are, the two sides will agree to some type of reworked contract before the start of the season.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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