The T.J. Watt contract saga is getting worse and worse for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh’s contract negotiations with Watt are reportedly going nowhere, and the star linebacker’s trade value appears to be brutally low.
In an appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Friday, Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly said Watt would “probably” command a second-round pick in a trade, which the Steelers might consider if negotiations reach a “point of no return.”
“They are obviously inquiring to see what that [return] might be,” Kaboly said. “If it gets to the point where it’s point of no return, maybe that second round pick becomes very handsome.”
Kaboly added that by reaching out about Watt’s value, the Steelers are doing “due diligence.”
During an episode of ESPN’s “Unsportsmanlike” on Tuesday, NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported the Steelers and Watt are “far apart” in contract talks.
“There have been other teams that have mulled the idea that maybe they would approach the Pittsburgh Steelers about a trade,” Schefter said. “Now, the Steelers have zero intention of trading him — but something has to give.
“You can’t have it both ways. You can’t say, ‘We want to keep this guy that badly’ and then be far apart in the contract.”
Watt, 30, is a seven-time Pro-Bowler and one of the premier defensive players in the NFL.
Over his eight-year NFL career, Watt has made 108 sacks and forced 33 fumbles, including 11.5 sacks and a league-high six forced fumbles last year.
Watt, who would become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, is reportedly using Myles Garrett’s historic four-year contract extension, which pays $40 million per year, as a benchmark for his new deal.
That high asking price, plus Watt’s age, lowers his value in trade talks.
“If you’re shopping [Watt], just to see what the return might be, you’re probably not gonna get as much as you think you’re gonna get,” Kaboly added. “If you could get a 2nd rounder you’d probably be lucky, I think.”
