TJ Watt contract update: NFL analyst Domonique Foxworth calls trade talks for Steelers star ‘unlikely’

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been among the most active teams in the NFL this offseason. Still, the roster has questions. Those notably include the contract situation for star edge rusher TJ Watt.

Amid Watt’s contract dispute with the Steelers, rumors about a possible trade have picked up. Those rumors, however, are not something that NFL analyst Domonique Foxworth expects to come to fruition, as he recently explained on Get Up.

“I think it’s unlikely,” Foxworth said. “I can’t imagine that they would trade him for draft picks because, as Bill [Barnwell] said, they’re looking to go all in this season.”

Ultimately, the problem for the Steelers is that they went all in on 2025 by bringing in Aaron Rodgers. The veteran quarterback likely will be retiring soon. So, they’re trying to win in the immediate future. To do that, they’ll need one of the best defensive players in the sport.

Regardless, the Steelers have already made some bold moves. Pittsburgh traded star wide receiver George Pickens earlier in the offseason. Then, they made a blockbuster trade with the Dolphins, sending Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. So, at the same time, for a deal that could help them more immediately, the Steelers are willing to make a major splash.

“Maybe they could figure out someone who’s willing to do a trade like the [Minkah] Fitzpatrick and Jalen Ramsey trade,” Foxworth said. “Where you trade two talented players who can still contribute right now, but I see it as unlikely. I think TJ Watt plays for them this year and then makes as good of a run as they possibly can.”

Over the course of his career, Watt has been among the best pass rushers in the NFL. He has spent his entire career with Pittsburgh, going back to 2017. The 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt has four First-Team All-Pro selections. He’s done that while leading the NFL in sacks three times. On top of that, his 108 career sacks are 31st all-time.

Amid this contract dispute, Watt skipped mandatory mini camp. Now, the Steelers are hoping to avoid losing more time with Watt ahead of the 2025 season.

NFL insider: Steelers ‘optimistic’ to reach deal with TJ Watt, expects him to be highest-paid pass rusher in league

JJ Watt is going into the final year of his four-year, $112 million deal. Ahead of that, the team remains optimistic that they’re going to get a deal done, according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler.

“The Steelers, I’m sensing, are optimistic that they can reach a deal with Watt eventually. My sense is that he will probably be the highest-paid pass rusher in the league. When this is all said and done, he wants to be a Steeler for life. The Steelers want that. He’s a legacy type player,” Fowler said.

“They believe at 30 years old, he still has several good years left. They’re just going to have to come up with a number and a good guarantee structure. He did miss minicamp, so Pittsburgh has a lot of work to do. But typically, Pittsburgh perks up in these things around training camp and late July.”