Execs Predict Watt Becoming A Steelers Trade Candidate in 2027

Photo Credit: Karl Roser - Pittsburgh Steelers

Ahead of this year’s NFL Draft, league insiders speculated that the Pittsburgh Steelers might explore trading one of their established edge rushers — Alex Highsmith or Nick Herbig. No such move materialized, but the conversation around Pittsburgh’s long‑term roster construction has only intensified.

With Herbig now viewed as a legitimate candidate for a long‑term extension, several NFL executives have begun to quietly consider a far more dramatic scenario: whether the Steelers could eventually part ways with franchise icon T.J. Watt.

In a recent report for ESPN, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler detailed how some executives believe Pittsburgh may be forced into a difficult financial decision if Herbig is locked up. Watt, who turns 32 in October, carries guaranteed salaries of $32 million in both 2026 and 2027 — a significant cap commitment for a player approaching the later stages of his career.

Fowler summarized the league’s thinking:

“If the Steelers end up signing Herbig long term, having three large contracts allocated to one position is a tough proposition. Watt, for all his greatness, turns 32 in October and has guaranteed salaries of $32 million in both 2026 and 2027.”

To date, there has been no indication from the Steelers that they intend to move on from Watt. He remains the centerpiece of their defense and one of the most productive pass rushers in the league. Still, another season resembling his 2025 campaign — low production paired with rising financial strain — could force Pittsburgh to confront a difficult question about how many premium contracts it can sustain at one position.

The Steelers have historically prioritized retaining homegrown stars, but as the team enters a new regime under head coach Mike McCarthy, that philosophy may not necessarily apply, even if it is a legendary player like Watt.