NFL Trade Rumors: Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys could pursue $123 million Steelers linebacker (Getty)
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a major decision waiting after the 2026 season, and several teams already appear interested in how it unfolds. Star edge rusher T. J. Watt continues to draw attention around the league as questions grow about Pittsburgh’s long-term plans with its crowded pass-rush group.That is where the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys enter the picture. Both teams need another proven game-changer on defense, and recent reports suggest Watt could become one of the biggest names tied to NFL trade rumors over the next year.
NFL Trade Rumors: Pittsburgh Steelers’ contract puzzle could push T.J. Watt into the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys discussion
The latest buzz started after ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that teams around the league are watching Pittsburgh’s edge-rusher situation closely. The Steelers already pay Alex Highsmith big money, while younger pass rusher Nick Herbig is expected to command a major extension soon.Fowler explained that keeping all three edge rushers may not be realistic financially. He noted that Watt turns 32 in October and still carries guaranteed salaries of $32 million in both 2026 and 2027. Fowler wrote on ESPN that some teams believe Pittsburgh could at least consider moving on from Watt if it commits long-term to Herbig.“To the point above: If the Steelers end up signing Herbig long term, having three large contracts allocated to one position is a tough proposition,” Fowler wrote. “Watt, for all his greatness, turns 32 in October and has guaranteed salaries of $32 million in both 2026 and 2027. Watt is a legacy player, something Pittsburgh values more than most. But some teams could see Pittsburgh at least considering moving on from him.That instantly sparked trade rumors involving several contenders. The Bears stand out because their pass rush struggled badly last season. Chicago finished near the bottom of the league in pass-rush win rate, and the front office made only modest changes up front. Pairing Watt with Montez Sweat would immediately give defensive coordinator Dennis Allen one of the NFL’s toughest edge duos.The Chicago Bears also have future cap flexibility. According to OverTheCap, the Bears project to have a massive spending room by 2028, which makes a high-profile move possible if Pittsburgh opens the door.Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys continue searching for another elite defender opposite Micah Parsons. Dallas reportedly explored several defensive upgrades over the last year, and Watt would fit perfectly into a win-now roster built around quarterback Dak Prescott.There is still no indication that the Steelers want to trade T.J. Watt today. He remains one of the faces of the franchise and a future Hall of Fame candidate. Still, as contract pressure builds and Herbig’s next deal approaches, teams like the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys have every reason to keep watching closely.
