Steelers predicted to trade T.J. Watt after another major signing

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a talented group of pass rushers.

It can be tough to pay them all at once, though, and so there's a world where they consider trading T.J. Watt.

In fact, in a new article on Thursday by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the insider puts together a two-part plan: The Steelers may extend Nick Herbig for big money, and if they do that, a trade could be imminent for Watt.

Nick Herbig contract update

The first part to this story would be Herbig getting paid.

He's not a well-known name outside of Pittsburgh, which Fowler points out, but his ability likely points to being worthy of a big-money deal.

"Pittsburgh's No. 3 edge rusher produced 7.5 sacks in a part-time role last season, and plenty of teams would be glad to make him a full-time starter," Fowler writes. "Ascending pass rushers get paid. The Steelers want to keep Herbig but also have T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the books. If Herbig makes it to free agency, he'll be a player who's not a household name but could be paid as one."

The Steelers could decide to prevent Herbig from making it to the open market, though, and that would open up the ensuing can of worms.

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T.J. Watt trade rumor

Fowler feels that if Herbig gets paid, a Watt deal could be the next thing to come along -- either that or Alex Highsmith.

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

Watt does feel a lot like a guy who will spend his whole career in one place, but maybe not?

"Watt is a legacy player, something Pittsburgh values more than most," Fowler writes. "But some teams could see Pittsburgh at least considering moving on from him."

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