What could Steelers get in T.J. Watt trade? It might not be as much as you think

Last week, Pittsburgh Steelers beat reporter Mark Kaboly revealed that the team has been making calls to inquire about T.J. Watt's trade value around the league.

Kaboly said the Steelers were just doing their "due diligence" with the star edge rusher, who is currently seeking a lucrative contract extension.

Despite the reported inquiries the Steelers made, there doesn't seem to be any real interest on Pittsburgh's part in trading Watt, but we know better than to completely rule something like that out, especially if Watt continues to hold out.

So, if the worst-case scenario for the Steelers unfolds and Watt gets traded, what can we expect Pittsburgh to get back in return?

While some believe the Steelers could get a king's ransom for him, Kaboly revealed that Pittsburgh would likely only get a second-round pick for his services.

"They are obviously inquiring to see what that (return) might be," Kaboly said on 93.7 The Fan. "If it gets to the point where it's point of no return, maybe that second-round pick becomes very handsome."

A second-round pick is obviously very valuable in today's NFL, but only getting that kind of selection in return for a player who is one of the best in the league at such an important position definitely wouldn't be ideal.

However, it makes sense. Watt is coming off a down season, is set to turn 31 in October and will command a massive extension that could total as much as $40 million annually upon being traded.

The first two things we mentioned and the value of the contract are almost certainly holding up Watt-Steelers contract talks.

The problem with trading Watt is that the Steelers need him.

He's their best defender and, again, he plays a premium position. Pittsburgh won't be able to replace him right away ahead of a season in which the team is clearly going for it.