Steelers would be crazy not to consider T.J. Watt trade: 'He has seemingly gotten worn down'

Fueling trade speculation, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt caused a stir on Wednesday by posting a cryptic Instagram story that some interpreted as a possible goodbye message. The post set off alarms across social media, and local insiders quickly weighed in. 

In his latest Pittsburgh Post-Gazette mailbag, longtime columnist Paul Zeise said the Steelers should seriously consider trading Watt while his value remains high. Zeise argued that while Watt is an all-time great, his age, playoff impact, and looming contract situation make a trade plausible and potentially smart.

"I love Watt," Zeise said. "I love his game. He is a special talent. But I have to weigh his ability to help me win a Super Bowl versus his salary. And given his age, the fact that he has seemingly gotten worn down every year of the last couple of years and has been a non-factor in the playoffs, I have to think he is probably still worth a nice haul in return for draft picks and that means I can build my team for the future. Watt is an all-time great, but one whose best days are probably behind him, so why not trade him while his value is still high? If that is hating, well, then guilty as charged."

By waiting to get a deal done, the Steelers may have cost themselves a significant amount of money if they hope to keep Watt in Pittsburgh for the remainder of his career. The pass rusher market has exploded, with Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett recently landing a massive $40 million per year deal. Watt's situation has only been made murkier by a cryptic Instagram story, which some fans believe is his way of expressing frustration — either over likely falling short of Garrett's payday or dissatisfaction with the team's direction.

The post quickly sparked widespread debate, but no one knows why Watt shared the message or what it means. Some believe it's a strategic move to pressure the front office, while others think it could be a sign that Watt is bracing for a potential goodbye. His silence on the matter has only intensified speculation.

Watt doubled down on his cryptic Instagram post

Adding fuel to the fire, this wasn’t Watt’s first cryptic post in recent weeks. A few weeks earlier, he shared a photo from his final college game at Wisconsin — a move many Steelers fans interpreted as a subtle hint at a farewell. Whether it’s calculated messaging or harmless nostalgia, it’s clear that something is brewing behind the scenes, and fans are starting to brace for the possibility that Watt’s time in Pittsburgh could be nearing its end.

Watt has been dominant throughout his career, but injuries have started to take a toll. During the 2024 season, he played through an injury that limited his effectiveness down the stretch. The year before, he was hurt in the regular season finale and was forced to miss the 2023 playoffs. 

These recent setbacks support Zeise’s argument that the Steelers might be wise to explore a trade while Watt’s value remains high. Zeise believes Pittsburgh could get a significant return in draft capital and begin to think younger on defense by moving on from their superstar pass rusher. It's a bold and unpopular take, especially considering Watt’s status as a franchise icon, but it’s quickly gaining traction.

With age, injuries, and contract complications now part of the equation, the conversation around Watt's future in Pittsburgh is no longer off-limits. While trading a player of his caliber would be shocking, it might also be a calculated move for a team trying to reset and build toward long-term success.