The winds of change are blowing through Pittsburgh, and they’re bringing more than just a new head coach. With Mike McCarthy now at the helm and a retooled coaching staff that's among the largest in franchise history, the Steelers are clearly signaling the start of a new era. But as the team reshapes its identity, there’s a growing buzz that one of the franchise’s most iconic players could be on the move.
T.J. Watt - yes, that T.J. Watt - may not be a lock to stay in black and gold.
According to longtime Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo, the team could potentially fetch a second-round pick in return if they were to trade Watt this offseason. That’s not a rumor to take lightly.
Watt isn’t just a fan favorite - he’s one of the most decorated defensive players in franchise history. But with Pittsburgh undergoing a major reset, even a player of Watt’s stature might not be untouchable.
Let’s be clear: Watt is still producing at a high level. After a monster 19-sack campaign in 2023, he’s totaled 18.5 sacks over the last two seasons - numbers that would be stellar for just about any other edge rusher, but are considered a step back by Watt’s own sky-high standards.
And that’s part of the conversation here. With a hefty contract in place - a three-year extension signed last offseason that made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history - the Steelers might be weighing performance against price tag.
It’s a tough calculus. Watt is more than just a stat line.
Since being drafted in the first round back in 2017, he’s been the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s defense. His 115 career sacks aren’t just impressive - they’re the most in franchise history.
And in a city that’s seen legends like Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and James Harrison patrol the field, that’s saying something. Add in eight Pro Bowl selections and five First-Team All-Pro nods, and you’re talking about a player who’s built a Hall of Fame résumé in the Steel City.
So why would the Steelers even entertain the idea of moving him?
Part of it comes down to timing. With a new coaching regime in place, there’s often a desire to reshape the roster - not just in terms of scheme fit, but also in terms of cap flexibility and long-term planning.
Watt, now entering the back half of his career, could be seen as a high-value trade chip for a team looking to restock with younger talent or premium draft picks. And for a contender in need of a game-changing pass rusher, Watt would be an instant difference-maker.
Still, a second-round pick might feel light for a player of Watt’s caliber - even factoring in recent production dips and contract considerations. But in today’s NFL, where age, salary cap implications, and positional value all come into play, that might be the market. And if Pittsburgh is serious about retooling, they’ll have to make some tough decisions.
Whether or not the Steelers ultimately pull the trigger on a Watt trade remains to be seen. But the fact that this conversation is even happening tells you everything you need to know about the direction this team is heading. Nothing - and no one - is off the table.
One thing’s for sure: if Watt is on the move, there will be no shortage of suitors. Because even in a league full of elite edge rushers, there aren’t many who can wreck a game quite like No. 90.