The Pittsburgh Steelers possess the highest-paid defense in the NFL, but the Baltimore Ravens completely outperformed them in the Wild Card Round. Cameron Heyward attributed the loss to the entire team, mentioning that the defense was more effective against Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in the second half. However, he acknowledged that confusion persisted at other times throughout the game. Given the numerous hefty contracts for defensive players, fans are starting to wonder if a major overhaul is necessary.
Colin Cowherd recently proposed that the Steelers trade superstar linebacker TJ Watt for draft picks, suggesting they could receive several early-round selections for the former Defensive Player of the Year. Many fans support this idea, believing Watt deserves to join a team with a legitimate chance at a Super Bowl victory. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo discussed this topic on 93.7 The Fan with Joe Starkey, who noted Watt’s passionate play but pointed out his frequent injuries late in the season. Currently, Watt is under a contract extension worth approximately $112 million, and with his final contract year approaching, the Steelers would typically want to offer him an extension to avoid him hitting free agency in 2026.
“I think you sit down with TJ,” Fittipaldo said, adding that Watt does not need to be the highest-paid defensive player anymore. With Watt turning 31 next October, the Steelers would be paying him for his 31-33 age seasons. While he would still command a sizeable contract, Fittipaldo suggested a range of $27-28 million per year rather than the current $30 million. He still regards Watt as a top player who maintains his physical condition, but feels it would be impractical to pay him the same rate as Joey Bosa due to his age.
Despite some decline in his statistics, Watt remains one of the league’s elite edge rushers. Although the numbers may not reflect it, he has consistently impacted the defense by tying up multiple offensive linemen, which allowed his teammates to make plays. However, both the team’s defensive performance and Watt’s overall production waned late in the season. He sustained an ankle injury during Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles, and while he continued to play, the grueling schedule may have affected him, with rumors suggesting he was managing more than just the ankle issue. When asked what it might take for the Steelers to consider trading Watt, Fittipaldo reflected that Watt is a key player like Heyward but speculated that the team might request multiple first-round picks for him, even though his age and contract situation complicate things. Ultimately, he posited that neither Watt nor the Steelers are inclined towards a trade.
The Steelers opted to extend Heyward before the 2024 season, despite some fan discontent. Heyward had a standout season at age 35, leading all defensive tackles in passes defended with 11.
Concerning Watt’s future, Fittipaldo suggested the Steelers would likely extend his contract to keep him in Pittsburgh, whereas Mark Kaboly expressed concern that he might simply play out the season. Watt has frequently expressed his frustration over never having won a playoff game, routinely mentioning it in press conferences. While he wouldn’t likely demand a trade, he has vocalized his desire to remain and win in Pittsburgh. Watt’s legacy with the storied franchise is secure, but postseason success would certainly enhance it.
