Steelers Now
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero shares what it would take to acquire T.J. Watt from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt are reportedly not very close to a deal, which has sparked trade rumors for the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year. However, what would it take to acquire Watt?
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero believes a day two pick would be the likeliest haul for the Steelers.
“What can you get, at this point, for T.J. Watt,” Pelissero asked on the “Rich Eisen Show.” “For one thing, a 2026 draft pick doesn’t help you. But even if you were getting a 2026 draft pick, is somebody giving up a first-round pick and more for T.J. Watt? Again, never say never, Rich, but when the Bengals were shopping Trey Hendrickson earlier this offseason, they were asking for a first-round pick. They weren’t being offered a first-round pick for a guy who led the league in sacks last year and has like 35 sacks over the past two seasons.”
What's the latest in the TJ Watt v. #HereWeGo contract showdown?#NFL pic.twitter.com/O0sOLbMvBg
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) July 3, 2025
Watt, 30, is also coming off the least-productive full season of his NFL career, which doesn’t help his price tag. However, he still proved to be a difference maker while recording 11.5 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles.
It’s unlikely Pittsburgh would even be interested in moving on from Watt for a first-round pick, anyway. That’s why many believe the two sides will eventually come to an agreement on an extension.
It’s still unclear when that will happen with training camp just around the corner. But Watt has shown he is not afraid to sit out to expedite the process.
Watt already skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp last month, so all eyes will be on Latrobe when the team reports to training camp in a couple of weeks.
Watt is currently scheduled to make just $21.05 million in salary in 2025, none of which is guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was just made the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history this offseason with a contract extension that pays him $40 million per year. That is likely the number Watt is trying to match or break.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Insider Reveals Trade Price For Steelers T.J. Watt
