The Pittsburgh Steelers have transformed their roster this offseason through a series of blockbuster moves.
They traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, adding to their earlier acquisition of wide receiver D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks and the trade of receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.
That’s in addition to signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
While Pittsburgh continues reshaping its lineup, one star player reportedly remains untouchable despite growing trade speculation.
“The Steelers have no intention of trading star pass rusher T.J. Watt and their focus remains on extending Watt’s contract, per sources,” NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero wrote on X.
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
The commitment to Watt aligns with an aggressive approach to building a championship contender.
With high-profile additions like Metcalf, Ramsey and Rodgers, Pittsburgh appears determined to maximize its 2025 chances.
Watt is entering the final season of his contract, set to earn $21.05 million this year.
That figure pales in comparison to Myles Garrett’s new $40 million annual value after his offseason extension, while other elite defenders command more than $30 million per season.
The contract disparity likely contributed to Watt skipping mandatory minicamp as he seeks a new deal.
However, Pittsburgh’s public stance suggests it prefers negotiating an extension rather than entertaining trade offers.
Watt’s career justifies the loyalty. The four-time All-Pro and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year has 108.0 sacks, which ranks sixth among active players and is 5.5 ahead of Garrett in the same number of seasons.
His eight years anchoring Pittsburgh’s defense have established him as the cornerstone of its championship aspirations.
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