Steelers Shock Fans With George Pickens Trade—What It Means for T.J. Watt’s Future
The Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines with a surprising decision Wednesday morning—trading wide receiver George Pickens. This came just days after General Manager Omar Khan had publicly stated that the team was excited to have both Pickens and DK Metcalf on the roster. The move reportedly stemmed from head coach Mike Tomlin’s push, signaling a clear shift in strategy for the team. While fans may debate whether the trade was wise, one immediate outcome is certain: the Steelers now have one less big contract to worry about.
With Pickens no longer in the extension picture, attention is quickly turning to T.J. Watt. The star linebacker is heading into the final year of his current deal, and many fans believe he’s long overdue for a new contract. Despite speculation, the Steelers have remained quiet about Watt’s extension talks. However, recent insights from a prominent Steelers reporter suggest that the deal is likely on the horizon.
Gerry Dulac, during an interview with Dan Patrick, expressed confidence that the Steelers will eventually lock Watt in with a new deal. When asked if Pittsburgh would pay Watt, Dulac referenced the franchise’s long-standing tradition of retaining their core stars. According to him, the team has never let a major player walk away during their prime years. The only notable exception, he added, was Franco Harris, and that decision became a source of deep regret for the organization.
The team’s current priorities, such as resolving their quarterback situation, may complicate things. However, Watt’s importance to the team cannot be overstated. He remains a consistent game-changer and leader on defense. NFL analyst and former player Ran Carthon echoed this, stating that if Pittsburgh doesn’t pay Watt, another team certainly will. Watt has the ability to shift the momentum of a game with a single play—making him invaluable.
As the Steelers reevaluate their financial landscape following the Pickens trade, they may be more willing to commit significant funds to Watt. Especially considering other top edge rushers like Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons are commanding or expecting massive deals, Watt’s new contract could end up being record-breaking. Garrett’s current deal stands at $160 million over four years, and Watt may be eyeing something in that range—or more.
The Steelers now find themselves at a crossroads. They can choose to reaffirm their loyalty to one of the league’s top defenders by making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Or, they risk creating unrest among fans and possibly within the locker room. Given the history and current sentiment, all signs point toward the Steelers doing what they’ve traditionally done best—taking care of their own.
Now, the question remains: will the Steelers go big on T.J. Watt, or will they once again catch everyone off guard with an unexpected decision?