The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to sign Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million extension has shifted attention towards a key member, their veteran pass rusher, T.J. Watt. An NFL analyst urged the Steelers to explore the trade route, but not because of Watt lacking talent.

Herbig is coming off a strong 2025 season in which he recorded 30 tackles and 7.5 sacks. His new deal secures a rising defender, but it also sparked debate about Watt's future, who agreed to a three-year, $123 million extension with Pittsburgh last July.

“Go get a first-round pick,” Cowherd said on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on June 3, suggesting Pittsburgh should consider moving the veteran edge rusher while his trade value remains high. “T.J. Watt gets you a first-round pick, it’s not that difficult.”

Watt is now 31-years-old. The analyst also raised concerns about Pittsburgh's roster makeup, noting that the Steelers currently have one of the league's oldest, most expensive defenses.

Teams are willing to pay premium prices for impact edge rushers. Meanwhile, Watt still has enough name recognition and production to attract strong offers.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Pittsburgh could command a significant package in any potential trade involving T.J. Watt.

“I think it starts with a first round pick," Florio said on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan. "The question is, how much more does it go beyond that. We know that not every first-round pick is created equal, a high first-round pick, a low first-round pick, what do we expect this first-round pick to eventually be? I think that’s part of the analysis that the team does.”

Cowherd also pointed to recent trades involving players such as Myles Garrett, Dexter Lawrence, Micah Parsons, and Quinnen Williams to show how teams are receiving premium assets for elite defenders.

In return for Garrett, the Browns acquired 25-year-old edge rusher Jared Verse, along with a first-round pick in 2027, along with more draft capital.

Watt remains one of the most accomplished defenders of his generation, with four All-Pro selections and eight Pro Bowl appearances. Even though Herbig has now signed long-term, an analyst showed confidence in Watt's position in Pittsburgh.

NFL Insider Weighs In as T.J. Watt Questions Grow

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Pittsburgh isn't expected to make any major changes to its edge-rusher group in 2026. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, the analyst dismissed speculation that the Herbig deal could lead to an immediate departure for either veteran pass rusher, Watt or Alex Highsmith.

"My sense this year is nothing," Rapoport said. "I don't get the sense that Highsmith is going anywhere. T.J. Watt is not going anywhere this year. He is not. He is going to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers."

None of the three players has logged more than 10 snaps as an interior defensive lineman in a single season, according to Pro Football Focus. While Watt said he expects to be moved around in Patrick Graham's defense, it remains unclear how the Steelers plan to keep all three highly paid pass rushers on the field at the same time.

Do you think Pittsburgh will pay attention to Cowherd to make the bold call, or are they going to keep Watt locked in? Share your thoughts

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Written by

Debanjali Rakshit

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar