In addition to the contract holdout involving edge rusher T.J. Watt, the Steelers made headlines again with their blockbuster trade on Monday, acquiring cornerback Jalen Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
While the focus may be on the news, some former players, reporters, and analysts are looking at this from a different angle: What does this mean for Watt?
Steelers Give Jalen Ramsey a Raise as T.J. Watt Sits Out
Two analysts have pointed out the narrative regarding Watt holding out for a new deal while the Steelers trade for Ramsey and give him a small raise.
Former New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and New York Jets offensive lineman turned ESPN personality Damien Woody pointed this out.
“What’s the point of making all these offseason moves if you’re not going to take care of your best player,” the 1999 first-round pick wrote.
What’s the point of making all these offseason moves if you’re not going to take care of your best player https://t.co/mxXLAcuCdc
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) June 30, 2025
Additionally, Dianna Russini of The Athletic said she was texting league executives to see their reactions.
“Texting with league personnel to gauge their reaction to Monday’s Steelers-Dolphins trade, one GM took note of Pittsburgh giving a raise to Jalen Ramsey while T.J. Watt remains without a new deal.
“Watt did not report to Steelers minicamp amid a contract standoff.”
Ramsey will receive a $1.5 million raise in 2025 and now has a salary of $26.6 million. On top of that, Smith, who reunites with his former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, could also be in line for a new deal.
As Russini also mentioned, Watt didn’t report to minicamp.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that teams have been discussing a trade for Watt, but the Steelers remain adamant that they won’t move their star edge rusher.
“Sources: In recent weeks, multiple teams have been discussing whether they can trade for Steelers’ standout T.J. Watt, who skipped the team’s most recent minicamp. Pittsburgh hasn’t shown any willingness to deal Watt so far, but he’s unhappy with his contractual situation, and sources believe outside team interest is likely to increase given today’s trade,” Schefter wrote in a post on X.
Newly arrived veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is also looking forward to getting Watt back on the field, saying, “… And once we get our Hall of Fame outside rush backer signed, you’re talking about another guy who’s a leader, not by example but by his words.”
We’ll see if the Steelers and Watt can get something worked out as the calendar flips to July and only 10 Sundays remain until regular-season football is in full swing.