Pittsburgh Steelers: Teams Reportedly Eager to Pounce If T.J. Watt Hits Trade Market
If the Steelers decide to part with T.J. Watt, finding willing trade partners won't be a problem.
The contract impasse between Watt and Pittsburgh continues after the star pass rusher skipped last month's mandatory minicamp. As a result, multiple teams have discussed whether it would be possible to trade for the star pass rusher, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Schefter reported that the Steelers have been unwilling to trade Watt so far, but he remains unhappy with his contract situation. Interest in Watt's possible availability could increase after the Steelers dealt safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins last week in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.
Watt is entering the final season of a four-year contract that averages $28 million per season. However, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns reset the pass rush market with an extension that averages $40 million annually with $123.5 million guaranteed.
The 30-year-old Watt has 108 career sacks, 5.5 more than Garrett, and has spent his entire eight-year career with Pittsburgh. With training camp set to begin later this month, the situation between Watt and the Steelers will continue to be monitored closely. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on SportsCenter that he anticipates Watt and the Steelers will reach an agreement.
"This is a situation where he's probably going to be the highest-paid edge rusher in the league when this is all said and done," Fowler said, via Jacob Camenker of USA Today. "It just depends on when the Steelers can do it.
"Typically, they like to do their deals either around training camp or leading into Week 1. So, this is far from over."
Cincinnati Bengals: Contract Talks With Trey Hendrickson Continue But Reportedly Remain Stalled
Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, is another star pass rusher seeking a lucrative extension entering the final year of his deal. According to Fowler, the Bengals and Hendrickson did not make progress during recent contract discussions.
"They have resumed in talks in recent weeks. They've been in communication, that is the good sign," Fowler said. "It has not led to a deal as of yet.
"They know they need this guy. [With] 17.5 sacks, he's carrying that defense at times last year. This is a process with a team that doesn't give a lot of guaranteed money beyond Year 1, typically. He wants more long-term security. He's 30 years old, yes, but he feels like he's earned big-time money on a multi-year extension."
Cleveland Browns: Young Receiver Jamari Thrash Has Been Offseason Surprise
Jamari Thrash may be the receiver the Browns are looking for to emerge next to Jerry Jeudy.
Thrash is a second-year receiver from Louisville who had just three catches for 22 yards as a rookie playing behind Jeudy, Elijah Moore, and Cedric Tillman. However, Moore signed with the Buffalo Bills, leaving Thrash, Tillman, and others competing for more playing time.
Earning praise from Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, Thrash has emerged as an early contender to claim a starting role.
"He's had a really strong spring," Stefanski said via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. "He is here all the time working on his body. Very intelligent player, can line up in multiple positions, which I think is valuable. And then he showed up, he's caught the ball well and you know the quarterbacks like how he gets open. He finds a way to get open versus zone, versus man."
