Teams are free to call the Pittsburgh Steelers to ask if T.J. Watt is available. They just shouldn’t expect them to pick up.
ESPN reported Monday that “multiple teams have been discussing whether they can trade for Steelers’ standout T.J. Watt” after the star edge rusher sat out of the Steelers’ mandatory minicamp. However, both ESPN and NFL Network went on to report that the Steelers are committed to keeping Watt in the Steel City.
Watt, 30, is entering the final year of the four-year, $112 million contract extension he signed in 2021. His refusal to attend minicamp earlier this month is reportedly related to his desire to secure a renewed extension before the 2025 season begins.
In addition to Watt’s current contract expiring after 2025, there’s the added context that two other star edge rushers – the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby and Browns’ Myles Garrett – signed massive extensions earlier this offseason. As of Monday, Watt has not reached a new deal to stay with the Steelers past the 2025 season.
Pittsburgh’s blockbuster trade to acquire cornerback Jalen Ramsey – who’s under contract through 2028 – and tight end Jonnu Smith – whom the Steelers extended through 2026 – on Monday fanned the flames of trade speculation for Watt.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that “outside team interest [to trade for Watt] is likely to increase given (Monday)’s trade.” However, he went on to post on the social media website X that the “Steelers have been adamant they want T.J. Watt to finish his career in Pittsburgh.”
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero corroborated the follow-up report, writing, “The Steelers have no intention of trading star pass rusher T.J. Watt and their focus remains on extending Watt’s contract.”
In 2024, Watt played all 17 regular-season games for a second straight season after sustaining a knee injury in Week 18 of the 2023 season. He recorded 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks and four pass deflections, and his six forced fumbles led the league. Watt earned a seventh consecutive Pro Bowl nod as well and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Barring a new contract, Watt is set to make $21.05 million in 2025.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: T.J. Watt trade rumors: Steelers don’t want to move star edge rusher
