According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, T.J. Watt and the Steelers are still far apart with a new contract extension and that there is increased talk from other teams about interest in a possible trade.
“In recent weeks, multiple teams have been discussing whether they can trade for (Watt),” said Schefter.
Schefter and others have reported that the Steelers and Watt are not currently close on a new deal that would keep the former Defensive Player of the Year in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have said over and over again, they have no plans to move Watt.
With Monday’s blockbuster deal, sending Minkah Fitzpatrick back to Miami for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, Schefter says “sources believe outside team interest is likely to increase given today’s trade.”
The last time the Steelers and Watt had a contract dispute, Watt "held-in" during training camp and it was right before the first regular season game of the 2021 season.
Watt wants to be the highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL. That distinction currently goes to rival player, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.
Watt was a no-show for Steelers mandatory minicamp and is reportedly unhappy with the fact that a deal is not done yet.
Going by what Steelers owner Art Rooney said about Watt in the past, he wants him to be a Steeler for life, but could there be a trade out there that is too good to pass up?