As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for a pivotal 2025 season, much of the spotlight is on T.J. Watt. With his contract situation unresolved and trade rumors swirling after a blockbuster offseason overhaul, one insider finally delivered clarity.
Steelers Insist They’re Not Trading T.J. Watt, Extension Is Priority
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero made it clear via X that, despite increased trade chatter, the Steelers don’t intend to part ways with their star player.
“The #Steelers have no intention of trading star pass rusher T.J. Watt and their focus remains on extending Watt’s contract, per sources,” Pelissero tweeted.
The #Steelers have no intention of trading star pass rusher T.J. Watt and their focus remains on extending Watt’s contract, per sources.
Watt, who turns 31 in October, is due $21.05 million in the last year of his current deal. pic.twitter.com/ta0jMQVHGj
– Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 30, 2025
That stance echoed reports from Adam Schefter, who noted that Pittsburgh is firm in keeping Watt in town, despite other teams expressing interest.
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… pic.twitter.com/iBh1DJr4uD
– Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2025
Note that Watt is entering the final year of a four-year, $112 million contract and is due a base salary of $21.05 million for the 2025 season. With high-priced defensive stars like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby setting new edge-rusher benchmarks, Watt’s camp is reportedly seeking a deal in the $35-40 million AAV range.
This insider update follows Watt’s absence from mandatory minicamp, a move widely interpreted as leverage amid negotiations. Missing mandatory sessions exposes him to fines exceeding $104,000, although the team has flexibility in pursuing those penalties.
With 108 career sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 49 passes defended, and a 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award, Watt remains one of the most disruptive defensive weapons in NFL history.
Why Steelers Refuse to Trade Watt
Interest in Watt intensified following one of Pittsburgh’s offseason moves, swapping Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. General manager Omar Khan has publicly called Watt one of the franchise’s “legacy guys,” drawing comparisons to past Steelers legends like Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu.
When asked about the situation during mandatory minicamp, coach Mike Tomlin said he was not worried and voiced optimism that a deal would be reached.
“We’ve expressed the desire to get the business done, he has as well, so we’ll continue to work,” Tomlin noted.
TJ Watt is not the best EDGE rusher in the league ❌
TJ Watt is not the best pass rusher in the league ❌
TJ Watt is not the best defender in the league ❌
TJ Watt is the best FOOTBALL PLAYER in the league ✅ pic.twitter.com/1RzE1hUyEM
– Chris Ferland 🐝 (@chris_ferland) June 29, 2025
Of course, trading Watt would generate valuable return assets for the Steelers, but it would also dismantle the defensive identity Pittsburgh has built around him. As the offense evolves with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers and other additions, Watt remains the foundational piece of this team’s identity.
As contract talks continue amid rising interest, the team remains optimistic about landing a new deal before the season begins. If the Steelers fail to reach a deal and Watt plays out his final year under the current agreement, he will have leverage in free agency, although the franchise tag and trade deadline options remain viable alternatives.
a true Pittsburgh Steelers fan, since the 70’s right now I wuoldn’t be shocked if Steelers Omar Khan trades T.J. Watt over a contract dispute