The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves this offseason by extending the contract of Nick Herbig, a promising young pass rusher. While Herbig's potential is undeniable, this move has stirred up questions about the future of the Steelers' defensive front, particularly with big names like T.J.
Watt and Alex Highsmith already locked into long-term deals. For now, Pittsburgh can juggle these contracts, but the financial landscape will shift dramatically next season.
Many are quick to speculate that Alex Highsmith might be the one to part ways with the team, but the real gamble seems to be on T.J. Watt. The Steelers are betting big on Watt returning to his dominant form, and if he doesn't, the team could find itself in a precarious position when the next offseason rolls around.
T.J. Watt has been a cornerstone of the Steelers' defense for nearly a decade, earning his place among the league's elite edge rushers.
His accolades include a Defensive Player of the Year award and multiple lucrative contracts. However, the past two seasons have been challenging for Watt, marred by injuries and increased attention from opposing offenses, leading to a dip in his production.
Despite these setbacks, the Steelers made him the highest-paid edge rusher last year, a decision that came with significant financial commitments.
Should Watt bounce back to his previous form, the hefty contract becomes a non-issue, justified by his elite performance. But if his struggles continue, the Steelers face a dilemma: a hefty contract tied to a player whose performance no longer matches his pay. Meanwhile, Highsmith continues to build a solid resume, adding to the complexity of the decision-making process.
Cutting Watt outright is financially daunting. The move would result in a $52 million cap hit, with only $42 million in savings. Designating him as a post-June cut could offer some relief by spreading the cap hit, but it still presents a significant financial burden.
Trading Watt is another option, but it's easier said than done. His recent performance, coupled with a substantial contract, makes him a tough sell. Unless a team is willing to take a chance on his potential resurgence, any trade would likely yield minimal returns.
For both Watt and the Steelers, a standout season is crucial. Watt needs to prove he's still the force he once was, and the Steelers need him to anchor their defense effectively.
Without a return to form, the Steelers could face difficult decisions, potentially reshaping the future of their edge rusher lineup. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on Watt as the season unfolds.
In Other News...
Steelers Linked To A Superstar Trade Rumor Fans Will Instantly Debate
A fresh layer of Steelers chatter has cropped up around the league, and it centers on a hypothetical running back shakeup that would be hard for fans to ignore. The idea comes from a CBS Sports writer and frames Pittsburgh as a possible landing spot for a big-name back if the right trade market ever develops, with the proposed price tag reportedly sitting at a third-round pick.
The appeal is easy to understand, but so is the caution. Pittsburgh already has a deep backfield mix led by Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, with Kaleb Johnson, Travis Homer and Eli Heidenreich also in the room, so any move would have to clear a crowded path and justify the cost. Still, the rumor has some logic behind it if Indianapolis' season goes sideways and contract considerations start to matter, even if this one still reads more like an offseason talking point than a deal on the verge of happening. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Could Sacrifice Cornerback Depth For One Surprising Trade Candidate
The Steelers cornerback room has gotten crowded enough that any roster tweak now has to be weighed against depth, contract situations and the teams long-term plans. Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols, Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean all come with different reasons they are less likely to move, whether it is contract status, role, performance or how the team views them going forward.
Asante Samuel Jr. stands out as the more movable name in that mix after signing a one-year deal in March and making it back for six games last season following spinal surgery. Even so, Pittsburgh would have to decide whether the return is worth thinning out a position group that already needs to be handled carefully, especially if the market only brings modest draft compensation. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Roster Projection Puts Unexpected Heat On Familiar Tackle
The Steelers offensive line picture for 2026 already has a clearer shape than it did a few months ago, and much of that comes from the way the front office has attacked the position through the draft. Zach Frazier, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick, Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker all look like safe bets to stick, giving Pittsburgh a young core to build around while the rest of the room fights for whatever spots are left.
What makes the exercise interesting is how those additions have shifted the balance of power across the line. Fautanu is expected to settle back on the left side after handling right tackle last season, while Dunkers path points to work on the interior, and that kind of reshuffling can squeeze the veterans and the fringe guys who once looked more secure. The Steelers have usually carried a pretty steady number of linemen, but with a new coaching staff in place, even that long-standing tendency may not be enough to settle every battle. [Read more 🡒]