Massive T.J. Watt update revealed after Steelers sign Nick Herbig to extension

Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt had been the subject of some interesting trade rumors following the 2025 NFL season. Those whispers surfaced before it was learned on Tuesday that the Steelers somewhat surprisingly signed fellow pass-rusher Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100M extension that included $42M guaranteed.

During a Wednesday appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, Steelers reporter Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette addressed Watt's uncertain future with the organization. 

History suggests T.J. Watt is staying put

"The Steelers do not typically go down that road at all," Fittipaldo said about the club possibly parting ways with Watt this offseason, per Josh Carney of Steelers Depot. "I mean, they have cut guys before with years left on the contract. They've said, 'Okay, you're past your prime, and we're gonna move on.' But, like, to go down that road of trading a star like that, it just doesn't happen." 

Watt and the Steelers agreed to a three-year, $123M deal that included $108M guaranteed last summer before veteran Steelers players began reporting to training camp. He then tallied seven sacks over 13 games before he missed three straight contests late in the campaign due to a partially collapsed lung he suffered during a dry needling treatment session at the Steelers' facility. 

Watt, 31, may be a declining player at this stage of his career. Nevertheless, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is among those who expect that Watt, Herbig and Alex Highsmith will all remain with the Steelers through the summer. Such a decision makes sense, as the Steelers are a win-now team with 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers serving as their starting quarterback. 

Are Steelers still committed to keeping T.J. Watt?

It's also worth noting that Watt has played only for the Steelers since they drafted him in 2017.

"I still think it's important for T.J. to end here," Fittipaldo continued, "although what transpired here in the last 24 hours does get me thinking. But yeah, I still think they're super committed to T.J. ..."

The Steelers should be committed to having the strongest roster possible for 2026 with Rodgers atop the depth chart. That said, general manager Omar Khan may need to have some difficult conversations regarding certain Pittsburgh players before the next league year opens in March 2027.