PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers swiftly crushed speculation about trading superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt, with GM Omar Khan delivering a resounding rebuke to rumors that sent shockwaves through Steelers Nation. The statement, made on May 4, 2025, reaffirmed Watt’s indispensable role.
Whispers of a Watt trade surfaced after a Bleacher Report article suggested Pittsburgh might consider blockbuster deals to address their quarterback crisis. Watt, a seven-time Pro Bowler with 103.5 career sacks, is the heart of the Steelers’ defense, making the rumors unthinkable.
Khan didn’t mince words at a press conference. “T.J. Watt is the cornerstone of this franchise,” he declared. “Any talk of trading him is absurd. He’s a Steeler for life.” The GM’s fiery response quelled fears amid a turbulent offseason marked by Najee Harris’ departure.
The rumors stemmed from Pittsburgh’s quarterback woes. With Mason Rudolph as the interim QB1 and rookie Will Howard developing, some speculated the Steelers could dangle Watt for a proven signal-caller like Kyler Murray. Khan’s stance makes that a non-starter.
Watt’s 2024 season was stellar, with 11.5 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, and a 92.2 PFF grade despite a late-season MCL sprain. At 30, under contract through 2025 at $21.05 million, he remains the NFL’s premier pass rusher, outshining even Myles Garrett in pressures (87).
Pittsburgh’s offseason additions—Za’Darius Smith, Stephon Gilmore, and C.J. Mosley—signal a win-now mentality. Trading Watt, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, would unravel their Super Bowl aspirations, especially in a brutal AFC North with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson.
Fans on X erupted in relief, with posts like “Omar just saved my soul!” and “Trade T.J.? Fire whoever suggested that!” ESPN’s Louis Riddick agreed, stating, “Watt’s the soul of this defense. Khan’s not foolish enough to let him go.”
As OTAs loom, Watt is reportedly “all-in,” per teammates, focusing on leading a revamped defense. Khan’s decisive shutdown of the rumors sends a clear message: Pittsburgh is building around its superstar, not dismantling its foundation. The Steel Curtain remains intact.
