Steelers Make Shocking T.J. Watt Decision — Trade Talks Silenced for Good!

So, here’s the tea from the gridiron: the Steelers just pulled off a blockbuster trade in June, waving goodbye to their star safety Minka Fitzpatrick. They swapped him out for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith—pretty solid names. Naturally, NFL gossip circles went into overdrive, wondering, “Hmm, if they’re willing to let go of Minka, is T.J. Watt next?”

Steelers have no intention of trading T.J. Watt, remain focused on  extending him

Quick answer: LOL, no. Not happening. T.J. Watt is going nowhere, not even if the Browns offered a golden statue and unlimited Primanti Bros sandwiches.

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Pittsburgh has zero plans to trade its sack machine. In fact, they’re laser-focused on locking Watt down long-term with a juicy contract extension. So no, rival GMs, stop calling—this isn’t a garage sale.

Now, let’s talk business. Watt is entering a contract year—yep, that means he’s got one more season left on the deal he signed in 2021. But he didn’t show up for mandatory minicamp in mid-June, and rumor has it (courtesy of Ian Rapoport) that contract talks were moving slower than a turtle in molasses.

Steel Curtain Sound-Off: The Steelers are (still) a Greek tragedy - Behind  the Steel Curtain

Still, the Steelers aren’t sweating it. They’ve been building a veteran-heavy roster, added QB Aaron Rodgers (yep, he’s in black and gold now—wild, right?), and clearly believe this is their year to finally break their postseason curse. Trading Watt would be like giving away the keys to the Ferrari you just filled with premium fuel. Why would anyone do that?

Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here. T.J. Watt isn’t just some average edge rusher who shows up, does a spin move, and calls it a day. The man is a four-time First-Team All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler, 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, and basically the Hulk in cleats. His stats? Insane. In 8 seasons, he’s got:

  • 108 sacks
  • 225 QB hits
  • 33 forced fumbles

He’s the heart, soul, and motor oil of Pittsburgh’s defense. When Watt’s on the field, quarterbacks sleep with one eye open.

Multiple Teams Are Now Trying to Trade for Steelers' TJ Watt - Newsweek

But even football superheroes want a raise. Watt’s current contract pays him about $28 million per year—a number that now looks like rookie lunch money compared to what the Browns’ Myles Garrett is hauling in: a fat $40 million annually.

So yeah, Watts’ holding out for a better deal. Can you blame him? He’s basically underpaid for being a one-man wrecking crew.

Still, let’s squash the rumors once and for all: Watt is staying put. He’s not following Fitzpatrick to the trade block. The Steelers’ front office has made it loud and clear—they’re not tearing things down. They’re going all-in for a Super Bowl push, and Watt is smack dab in the center of those plans.

Best-case scenario for the Steelers? T.J. Watt signs a fresh new contract, high-fives his new teammates (including Rodgers), and terrorizes quarterbacks like it’s his favorite hobby. Worst-case? He holds out a little longer, but still suits up when it counts—because let’s be real, Pittsburgh without Watt is like a burger without the bun: just sad and messy.

So while other teams were circling the Steelers like hungry sharks after the Minkah trade, hoping Watt might be next… Pittsburgh hit ’em with a stiff-arm and said, “Back off, he’s ours.”

 

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