Sounds like Watt is being shopped

[steelmann58]

If Omar gets the call and it overwhelmed he should listen. I think he has to do what best.

[Steelafan77]

Count me as a fan of moving Watt for some extra draft capital and possibly additional player. [WR]

[Ice]

Like Drama said, the contenders are likely the only ones calling about Watt. He, at his age, doesn't make much sense for a middle of the pack (hint, hint, Steelers on that long term contract signing idea) or rebuilding team, so he's probably not going to go to one.

The only sub-.500 in 2024 team that fits that bill is San Francisco.

[tbsteel]

Down-to-down, I thought Highsmith was a better pass rusher last year than Watt.

Hate on PFF all you want, but they've mostly been right about Watt. Great player, but for large portions of games he'll be a non-factor but then will seemingly come out of nowhere with a clean win and closes with a big play. He doesn't win reps as much as other pass rushers, but when he does he wins clean and he finishes better than damn near anybody.

Definitely think age and wear is starting to catch up with him. I would trade him.

[.Kodiak]

I think this is nothing but a negotiating ploy. There's no way they are trading Watt - all in for NHALS!!!!!

[K_C_]

Down-to-down, I thought Highsmith was a better pass rusher last year than Watt.

Hate on PFF all you want, but they've mostly been right about Watt. Great player, but for large portions of games he'll be a non-factor but then will seemingly come out of nowhere with a clean win and closes with a big play. He doesn't win reps as much as other pass rushers, but when he does he wins clean and he finishes better than damn near anybody.

Definitely think age and wear is starting to catch up with him. I would trade him.

You don't think Watt is often taken out of games (or large stretches of games) by opponents when they will double and sometimes triple team him (TE and T with RB chipping) because Highsmith, who I think we can all agree doesn't get anywhere near the same level of attention TJ Watt does, isn't winning his pass rush battles often enough?

There is no doubt that age has started to show with Watt and if it hasn't, it will soon enough. He very well could be wearing down, but I disagree that Highsmith was a better pass rusher than Watt last season.

Watt, in what was definitely nowhere near his best year, still finished tied for 8th in the league with 11.5 sacks. Despite obviously getting most of the attention from offensive coordinators. Dude also tied Trey Hendrickson for the most tackles for loss with 19.

https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/stats?cat ... Order=desc

Alex Highsmith? He had a whopping 6 sacks last year. 7 the year before. Highsmith had 9 tackles for loss in 2024 and 8 in 2023. To me, he's been a huge disappointment. Shows up big 3, maybe 4 games per year and the rest Highsmith is a ghost.

I thought Herbig took a step back last year too but he had some injury concerns and I wouldn't be surprised if he bounces back with a big year but after QB next April, the Steelers should be looking to draft the best pass rusher available with an eye on replacing both Watt and Highsmith in the not too distant future.

[K_C_]

I think this is nothing but a negotiating ploy. There's no way they are trading Watt - all in for NHALS!!!!!

This is why I desperately wanted Aaron Rodgers to retire so Tomlin would basically be forced to roll with Mason and Will Howard. Atlanta isn't stupid and would have wanted a high pick for Kirk Cousins and I don't believe the Steelers would have paid what Atlanta required. Had Rodgers decided to retire, I think Watt would have been traded. Aaron Rodgers has, for whatever reason, given Tomlin dreams of hoisting another Lombardi, even at 42 years old and we all know this team isn't going to actually be dangerous in the postseason, if they even make the postseason.

That's the only reason I think TJ will be back, because of Rodgers, but Khan isn't Tomlin level dumb. I'm 100% sure he's listening to offers and if someone bowls him over, then I could see Omar pulling the trigger and sending Watt to a contender for a King's ransom.

[gojira5150]

Like Drama said, the contenders are likely the only ones calling about Watt. He, at his age, doesn't make much sense for a middle of the pack (hint, hint, Steelers on that long term contract signing idea) or rebuilding team, so he's probably not going to go to one.

The only sub-.500 in 2024 team that fits that bill is San Francisco.

I'm all for trading him. Would trading him to a title contending team (Det, Buf, Pack) secure late 1st RD picks and maybe a late RD 2nd give Steelers enough draft capitol to move up to top 5 and get their FQB

[anpsteel]

The more I think about this situation- the more I feel that the team isn’t going to come off whatever number they’ve already put out there

I think they are unwilling to spend $40M+ p/yr w $100M guaranteed

I suspect Watt won’t sign the offer- but he’ll need to play to get that next big contract

The team will franchise him next season- and if Watt balks at it - they negotiate a trade at that point

Of course- if someone offers enough now, they’ll ship him away this season

[CoolShades]

End. Of. Story.

You. Are. Unstable.

Game. Set. Match.

Right.

Please. Seek. Therapy.

[CoolShades]

The more I think about this situation- the more I feel that the team isn’t going to come off whatever number they’ve already put out there

I think they are unwilling to spend $40M+ p/yr w $100M guaranteed

I suspect Watt won’t sign the offer- but he’ll need to play to get that next big contract

The team will franchise him next season- and if Watt balks at it - they negotiate a trade at that point

Of course- if someone offers enough now, they’ll ship him away this season

I guess what it boils down to is what is it worth to Watt to take this to the limit vs. what is it worth to the Steelers?

The Steelers have the money. But they must not feel Watt is worth whatever it is he’s asking for.

I doubt the Steelers care about the Watt PR hit. They have let other fan favorites leave the organization, either by forcing them out, letting them go via FA or trading them, and they’ve weathered those storms. It has never stopped them from doing what they believed was in the best interest of the organization. But this is different. We are in a new world, where Tomlin’s reputation seems to be more important than anything. I honestly believe that more than anything, Deuce wants Tomlin to win a playoff game, so the fan complaining will subside and the national media slurping can continue. IMO, if the Steelers sign Watt to a contract north of Garrett, it’s because Tomlin went to Rooney and said “I can’t win without him.”

If that conversation doesn’t take place, (or if Tomlin thinks he CAN win without Watt), Watt will have to decide if the few million less the Steelers are offering is such an insult that he will have to hold out like Bell did. If that happens, he will lose a lot of fan support and a lot of money. Bell never made up the money he lost by sitting out. Watt could be in the same boat.

I have read that some don’t think the Steelers can get a 1st for Watt. If that’s true, he’s not worth $40mm.

I hope the Steelers don’t budge and they are taking calls. If Watt won’t sign, cut off negotiations and trade him to the highest bidder. They have him under contract so the Steelers have all the leverage.

Who am I kidding? The Steelers will cave. Mediocre Mike’s sterling reputation and NHALS are all that matter now.

[K_C_]

End. Of. Story.

You. Are. Unstable.

Game. Set. Match.

Right.

Please. Seek. Therapy.

"I. Want. No. Part. Of. That. Bet."

[Deebo]

The more I think about this situation- the more I feel that the team isn’t going to come off whatever number they’ve already put out there

I think they are unwilling to spend $40M+ p/yr w $100M guaranteed

I suspect Watt won’t sign the offer- but he’ll need to play to get that next big contract

The team will franchise him next season- and if Watt balks at it - they negotiate a trade at that point

Of course- if someone offers enough now, they’ll ship him away this season

I guess what it boils down to is what is it worth to Watt to take this to the limit vs. what is it worth to the Steelers?

The Steelers have the money. But they must not feel Watt is worth whatever it is he’s asking for.

I doubt the Steelers care about the Watt PR hit. They have let other fan favorites leave the organization, either by forcing them out, letting them go via FA or trading them, and they’ve weathered those storms. It has never stopped them from doing what they believed was in the best interest of the organization. But this is different. We are in a new world, where Tomlin’s reputation seems to be more important than anything. I honestly believe that more than anything, Deuce wants Tomlin to win a playoff game, so the fan complaining will subside and the national media slurping can continue. IMO, if the Steelers sign Watt to a contract north of Garrett, it’s because Tomlin went to Rooney and said “I can’t win without him.”

If that conversation doesn’t take place, (or if Tomlin thinks he CAN win without Watt), Watt will have to decide if the few million less the Steelers are offering is such an insult that he will have to hold out like Bell did. If that happens, he will lose a lot of fan support and a lot of money. Bell never made up the money he lost by sitting out. Watt could be in the same boat.

I have read that some don’t think the Steelers can get a 1st for Watt. If that’s true, he’s not worth $40mm.

I hope the Steelers don’t budge and they are taking calls. If Watt won’t sign, cut off negotiations and trade him to the highest bidder. They have him under contract so the Steelers have all the leverage.

Who am I kidding? The Steelers will cave. Mediocre Mike’s sterling reputation and NHALS are all that matter now.

This Watt thing will be a perfect bellwether to understand who is pulling the strings. Bc there is no way Tomlin believes he can win without Watt. He's at least self aware enough to understand where his bread is buttered.

If Watt gets traded = Tomlin's power has been eroded and he may likely be his last season
Watt extended = You'll see another contract extension for Tomlin soon

[steelmann58]

Trade watt this year and Tomlin next year. But Tomlin knows his team record with and without Watt

[SteelerDayTrader]

I’m not sure Watt is worth a 1st anymore

I’d happily unload his career choker ass for a 2nd and 3rd and move on

QB draft pick ammo and big cap savings

[Ice]

If Tomlin goes up to Rooney's office and tells him he can't win without TJ Watt, and it doesn't make Rooney question how good this coach actually is, then he's actually dumber than I've been giving him credit for. What a terrible thing for a supposedly great coach to say to his owner.

[Thrillsseeker]

If Tomlin goes up to Rooney's office and tells him he can't win without TJ Watt, and it doesn't make Rooney question how good this coach actually is, then he's actually dumber than I've been giving him credit for. What a terrible thing for a supposedly great coach to say to his owner.

His head barely fits through a doorway. That sum bitch is way too conceited to ever say that.

[.Kodiak]

If Tomlin goes up to Rooney's office and tells him he can't win without TJ Watt, and it doesn't make Rooney question how good this coach actually is, then he's actually dumber than I've been giving him credit for. What a terrible thing for a supposedly great coach to say to his owner.

No question the defense falls apart without Watt. Good for a couple of huge momentum-changing plays 5-6 times a year. Basically a NHALS MVP.

I think the lack of postseason success is due to a vanilla scheme and just getting beat down by the end of the year needing to be Superman every week.

[Gonzo]

every steeler player - especially for the playoff performances - Must be judged in the light of Mike Tomlins sophomoric and fully predictable approach to football and player execution.

the ravens basically said they knew exactly what the steelers would do because they always do it. in the playoffs when coaches make their money coming up with a opponent specific game plan with wrinkles - Mike Tomlin does Not. and he hires and rewards players and coaches who are good with that

[steelmann58]

It seems like every team knows what we are going to do on the defense side it unreal what this staff does. The worst thing is the stuff makes zero adjustments in game.

[.Kodiak]

If Watt gets traded = Tomlin's power has been eroded and he may likely be his last season
Watt extended = You'll see another contract extension for Tomlin soon

I actually do think Tomlin has a mandate to win a playoff game for a new contract. Unfortunately that's 2 more years.

Presumably with Deuce still in charge they will reward Watt. They have always taken care of their star players. It's a business, but most teams don't like the look of trading away a star player, at least not when they have the cap room.

In today's league, you're rarely more than 1-2 years away, unless you start trading away studs. If they won the lottery with Howard, Watt is a guy who could contribute to a run in the next 2-3 years. I know but Tomlin...

[stairway 2 seven]

Watt being traded. I'll believe it when I see it. He'll stay this year at least. They didnt sign Rogers and trade for Ramsey and Smith only to let Tomlin's savior go.
If they dont extend him multiyears he will at least be franchised this year.

[Stlcrtn1974]

I’m not sure Watt is worth a 1st anymore

I’d happily unload his career choker ass for a 2nd and 3rd and move on

QB draft pick ammo and big cap savings

I was listening to 93.7 the fan yesterday, Kaboly was saying he's not going to fetch a 1st. So why would the Steelers entertain the thought of paying him top 5 or 10 money. I'm on the side of trading him and loading up picks for next year. Hopefully this is Tomlin’s last year too.

[Thrillsseeker]

Sadly I realized last night Fraudlin is signed through 2027. I thought he was contracted through 2026.

Now, I really do not believe that is his last year. I can’t still hope and wish but you know the saying.

FML.

[steelmann58]

So let’s realize the Steelers don’t need to extend Watt he still under contract.

[Gonzo]

They likely can’t get a 1st round pick for him because of the money and contact length he is demanding
At his age and seemingly wearing down during seasons … It’s a real dilemma for the Steelers or any team
I think the Steelers may hold firm and hope he plays out his current contact
That is the best current scenario for them

And I also think it doesn’t matter if Tomlin has two years left … I do believe he is in a must win situation.. missed playoffs or another playoff embarrassment first round and he is gone and this team will be rebuilt

[Thrillsseeker]

The more I think about this situation- the more I feel that the team isn’t going to come off whatever number they’ve already put out there

I think they are unwilling to spend $40M+ p/yr w $100M guaranteed

I suspect Watt won’t sign the offer- but he’ll need to play to get that next big contract

The team will franchise him next season- and if Watt balks at it - they negotiate a trade at that point

Of course- if someone offers enough now, they’ll ship him away this season

I guess what it boils down to is what is it worth to Watt to take this to the limit vs. what is it worth to the Steelers?

The Steelers have the money. But they must not feel Watt is worth whatever it is he’s asking for.

I doubt the Steelers care about the Watt PR hit. They have let other fan favorites leave the organization, either by forcing them out, letting them go via FA or trading them, and they’ve weathered those storms. It has never stopped them from doing what they believed was in the best interest of the organization. But this is different. We are in a new world, where Tomlin’s reputation seems to be more important than anything. I honestly believe that more than anything, Deuce wants Tomlin to win a playoff game, so the fan complaining will subside and the national media slurping can continue. IMO, if the Steelers sign Watt to a contract north of Garrett, it’s because Tomlin went to Rooney and said “I can’t win without him.”

If that conversation doesn’t take place, (or if Tomlin thinks he CAN win without Watt), Watt will have to decide if the few million less the Steelers are offering is such an insult that he will have to hold out like Bell did. If that happens, he will lose a lot of fan support and a lot of money. Bell never made up the money he lost by sitting out. Watt could be in the same boat.

I have read that some don’t think the Steelers can get a 1st for Watt. If that’s true, he’s not worth $40mm.

I hope the Steelers don’t budge and they are taking calls. If Watt won’t sign, cut off negotiations and trade him to the highest bidder. They have him under contract so the Steelers have all the leverage.

Who am I kidding? The Steelers will cave. Mediocre Mike’s sterling reputation and NHALS are all that matter now.

This Watt thing will be a perfect bellwether to understand who is pulling the strings. Bc there is no way Tomlin believes he can win without Watt. He's at least self aware enough to understand where his bread is buttered.

If Watt gets traded = Tomlin's power has been eroded and he may likely be his last season
Watt extended = You'll see another contract extension for Tomlin soon

looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

[steelmann58]

The guy still has another year and I can’t see how you really give this guy 40 million. He on the wrong age side. If you get the right deal Omar needs to do it.

[.Kodiak]

They likely can’t get a 1st round pick for him because of the money and contact length he is demanding

They can if they use their cap space to extend him and absorb the large SB. Other teams have done that in the past to effectively convert cap space into draft picks.

Colbert would never do that. But Khan has shown a willingness to use all the modern tricks in cap and contract management.

[Deebo]

Not sure of Washington's or our cap situation, but armchair GM says: trade Watt for Mclaurin (with an extension)

That positions whatever QB we have in the fold next year (hopefully a rookie) to have plenty of weapons.

DK
Mclaurin
Muth
J Smith

Not a bad group to roll out and the offense starts to look passable.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/457 ... ract-talks