The Patriots boast $61 million in salary cap space, per Spotrac, enough to absorb Watt’s hefty price tag. Yet, a proposed trade, Jabrill Peppers, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-rounder, lacks the first-round pick Pittsburgh would likely demand.

The rumor mill has suggested that a Patriots trade with the Steelers for TJ Watt is possible, but NFL insiders have shut down the rumors.

T.J. Watt’s contract situation with the Steelers remains unresolved as a new insider update sheds light on where things stand.