The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to have a lot of tough decisions to make after the 2025 season.
That's because, barring a total turnaround, the Steelers are heading toward another disappointing finish to the season, something this franchise has become all-too-familiar with.
The first order of business will be to decide what to do with head coach Mike Tomlin, who will be the first domino to fall.
If Tomlin stays, the Steelers will probably stay the current course, which would be awful. If the Steelers cut ties with Tomlin, the team could (and should) hit the reset button, which could mean selling off some star players.
Steelers insider Gerry Dulac said on Wednesday that he could see a scenario where the Steelers part ways with edge rusher T.J. Watt and/or defensive lineman Cam Heyward, both of whom are under contract for at least one more year.
“I would not be opposed to trading away one of your highest-priced guys after the season and hoping you get a No. 1 pick in return,” Dulac said. “Trust me, it is not far-fetched (wink, wink). Problem is, sometimes the value depreciates as you go.”
If the Steelers hit the reset button, it would make sense to part ways with both players in order to bring in more draft capital for what could be a rebuild.
Heyward will be in the final year of his contract in 2026, and he'll also be 37 years old in May. Heyward isn't the same player he once was, but there will be plenty of teams interested in adding him if he hits the trade block.
We would say that Heyward has a chance to be moved no matter what happens with Tomlin. After all, he was disgruntled with his contract in 2025 and if that remains the same in 2026, Pittsburgh might decide to just trade him.
That would be a wise move, as Heyward may only have one more year left in his career and the Steelers would risk losing him and having nothing to show for it in 2027 if they keep him next season.
Watt is obviously the more attractive piece given he plays a premium position and has been among the elite edge rushers in the NFL for years now. He's also five years younger than Heyward.
But, Watt hasn't been as productive since 2024, with the seven-time Pro Bowler tallying 18.5 sacks over his last 29 games, including seven this season.
Watt is under contract through 2028 and carries cap hits of $42 million in each of the next two years and then $46 million in 2028. However, there is no guaranteed money left on the final year of his deal.
Thanks to his reduced production and contract, the Steelers may not get what they once could have for Watt. A first-round pick in exchange is probably a pipe dream at this point, although a bidding war between teams might help them get it.
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