The NFL rumor mill is a funny thing. One day you’re the face of a franchise, and the next, some guy with a blue checkmark on X (formerly Twitter) says you’re being shipped off to Seattle for a handful of draft picks and a bag of peanuts. If you're asking did TJ Watt get traded, the short, blunt answer is no. As of January 2026, TJ Watt is still very much a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But I get why people are asking.
The Steelers just got bounced from the AFC Wild Card round by the Houston Texans—a 30-6 thumping that left fans and players alike feeling pretty sour. When a team with a "win-now" defense and an "omg-what-is-happening" offense hits a wall like that, people start talking about "blowing it up."
The $123 Million Reason He’s Still in Pittsburgh
Look, NFL GMs don't usually trade guys they just handed a massive mountain of cash to. Back in July 2025, Pittsburgh locked Watt down with a three-year, $123 million extension. It was a historic deal that basically made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the history of the league at the time.
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Honestly, the numbers are dizzying. We’re talking about an average annual value of $41 million. You don't sign a guy to that kind of "cherry on top" deal just to ship him out six months later.
Steelers GM Omar Khan isn't exactly known for being impulsive. He spent the last year remodeling this team—bringing in guys like DK Metcalf and even taking a flyer on a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers to try and fix the QB room. Trading the best defensive player in the world while you’re trying to win with a legendary (but aging) quarterback makes zero sense.
Why the Trade Rumors Won't Die
If he wasn't traded, why did you hear he was? Well, it’s mostly because of three things:
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- The Playoff Drought: Watt is a lock for the Hall of Fame. He’s the Steelers' all-time sack leader. He’s got the hardware. But he still doesn't have a playoff win. After the loss to Houston, he was visibly frustrated, telling reporters, "I haven't had the answer for a long time, so don't ask me." That kind of honesty smells like "trade bait" to the media.
- The Cap Hit: In 2026, Watt’s cap number jumps to a staggering $42 million. For a team that might be looking at a total reset if Rodgers retires or if Mike Tomlin actually moves on, that’s a heavy anchor.
- The Pundits: Former Steelers like Chris Hoke have actually gone on the record saying the team should trade him to recoup draft assets. It’s a "sell high" philosophy. But just because a former player says it on the radio doesn't mean it’s happening in the front office.
What Actually Happened Recently?
There was a bit of a scare late in the 2025 season. Watt had some health issues—specifically, he had to undergo lung surgery. Yeah, you read 그 right. It kept him out for a bit, but he actually fought back to play in the Week 18 win against the Ravens and the playoff game against the Texans.
He finished the 2025 season with 7.0 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. By his standards? A "down" year. By anyone else's standards? Pretty elite for a 31-year-old coming off a major health scare.
Is a Trade Possible in the Future?
Never say never in the NFL. If the Steelers decide to go into a full-scale "tear it down to the studs" rebuild, a post-June 1 trade in 2026 could theoretically save them $32 million in cap space. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks or the Dallas Cowboys would likely sell their souls to get a pass rusher of his caliber.
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But right now? It's all talk.
What This Means for Your Jersey Purchase
If you're sitting there with a TJ Watt jersey in your cart, you’re probably safe. The Steelers’ identity is built on defense, and Watt is the soul of that defense. He’s under contract through 2028. Unless the front office decides to pivot 180 degrees away from the "Steelers Way," No. 90 is going to be terrorizing AFC North quarterbacks in black and gold for the foreseeable future.
To keep a pulse on this, you should keep a close eye on the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. If Pittsburgh starts trading away other veterans—like Metcalf or Minkah Fitzpatrick—that’s when you should start worrying. Until then, ignore the clickbait.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the official Steelers transaction wire during the March 2026 free agency window.
- Monitor TJ Watt’s social media for any "peace sign" posts (which he used in April 2025 to signal his contract frustration).
- Follow beat writers like Mike DeFabo or Gerry Dulac for legitimate inside info rather than national "rumor" accounts.