The city of Pittsburgh feels proud of its sports teams. They have a major team in almost all sports: the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), and the Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB). As we sit in the football off-season, the city is preparing to choose its favorite sports star. Pittsburgh magazine came out with the voting that will continue for a week, till the 23rd of April, for the ‘Best of the Burgh’ Award. Surprise! It has 5 athletes which have 3 are football players from the black and the gold. They are Andrew McCutchen, Sidney Crosby, T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Christian Kuntz.

The linebacker is angry that his contract has not been extended yet. But he is over the moon with his name listed for the biggest Pittsburgh Award. Last year, he finished the season as the fumbles leader (6) for the second time in his NFL career (first time in 2019). The 7-time consecutive Pro Bowler from 2018 to 2024 has been the team’s defensive leader. In 2024, T.J. Watt played all 17 games (all starters) and recorded 6 forced fumbles, 4 defended passes, 11.5 sacks, 27 QB Hits, and 61 tackles (40 solo). The DT in the race is also a strong contender.

Cameron Heyward, the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, also has a similar track record. Just like T.J. Watt, Heyward also has 7 Pro Bowl selections. Last year, the DT had 17 games (all starters) and recorded 11 defended passes, 8 sacks, 20 QB Hits, and 71 tackles (35 solo). Will the 3rd Steelers player stand up to these two?

LS Christian Kuntz was first drafted by the Patriots in 2017. But he was waived the next day. In 2020, he even went to the Dallas Renegades in XFL, before the Steelers signed him 2020. Last year, he signed a 3-year, $3.76 million extension. So, the team is counting on him to help them win games in the 2025 season. While they are waiting for the people to vote, the black and the gold are trying to sort out their franchise.

NFL insider Aditi Kinkhabwala shocked HC Mike Tomlin by revealing that Aaron Rodgers doesn’t see them as a Super Bowl contender. If the veteran linebacker leaves them, the team’s defense will tank more.

T.J. Watt trade rumors get stronger

Back in 2021, the Steelers linebacker signed the 4 Year $112 million extension. This year is the last of his deal. Over the years, the market has changed. A few months back, the Browns signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension with Myles Garrett. This has forced T.J. Watt to look for other options in the league.

The HC Mike Tomlin is still sleeping on the extension, making the rumor stronger. While they are hosting the college QBs Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart, the LB wants his due. Overall, in 8 seasons, he has played 121 games (all starters) and had 7 interceptions, 33 forced fumbles, 49 defended passes, 108 sacks, 225 QB Hits, and 462 tackles (331 solo).

Amid this trade drama, the possibilities are getting wild. Chris Canty suggested the perfect scenario for both teams. On ESPN’s unsportsmanlike show, he claimed that if the 49ers traded their QB Brock Purdy, to the Steelers in exchange for LB T.J. Watt, both sides would get complete. But this is easier said than done. The franchise has developed both athletes for the long run.

Brace yourselves for the ugly drama set to unfold in the next few days. Things will heat up more once the draft gets over on April 26. Stay connected for more news about your favorite superstars.