T.J. Watt will stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers this year, despite the team's recent signing of edge-rusher Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million contract extension.
What happened?
The Steelers signed Herbig on Wednesday, sparking speculation about Watt's future with the team.
Why it matters for T.J. Watt
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggested that Herbig's big-money deal could force the Steelers to trade Watt, who is making $41 million per year and is due $32 million fully guaranteed next season.
What comes next?
However, according to ESPN/NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, fans shouldn't expect Watt to go anywhere this year. Rapoport stated on the "Pat McAfee Show" on Thursday that Watt will play for the Steelers this year.
The Steelers have $83 million per year tied up in their top edge-rushers — Watt, Herbig, and Alex Highsmith. Highsmith is only 28 and Herbig only 24, and Pittsburgh could favor keeping the younger, cheaper options and trading Watt next season for a bevy of draft picks.
Based on what the Cleveland Browns just got for Myles Garrett, if the Steelers did trade Watt, they could presumably get a package of at least a first-round pick plus one or two more mid-round selections. Watt turns 32 in October and has guaranteed salaries of $32 million in both 2026 and 2027.
Rapoport's statement on the "Pat McAfee Show" has eased concerns about Watt's future with the Steelers, at least for this year. The Steelers value Watt as a legacy player, and it's unlikely they'll trade him this year.
The team's decision to sign Herbig to a long-term deal has raised questions about their plans for Watt, but for now, it seems Watt will remain with the Steelers.
Watt's contract is enormous, and the Steelers will have to make a decision about his future after this year. Rapoport said that the Steelers have a lot invested in their edge-rushers and are very well-situated, but they may have to consider trading Watt next season.
The Steelers' signing of Herbig has significant implications for Watt's future, but for now, Watt will remain with the team. The Steelers will have to weigh their options carefully and consider what's best for the team's future.
The situation will be closely watched by fans and analysts, who will be eager to see what the Steelers decide to do with Watt after this year. The Steelers' decision will have significant implications for the team's future and will be closely scrutinized.
Watt's future with the Steelers is secure for now, but the team's long-term plans for him are still uncertain. The Steelers will have to make a decision about Watt's future after this year, and it will be interesting to see what they decide to do.
The Steelers' signing of Herbig has raised questions about Watt's future, but Rapoport's statement has eased concerns about Watt's immediate future with the team. The situation will continue to be closely watched by fans and analysts, who will be eager to see what the Steelers decide to do with Watt after this year.