Summary of "3 & Out - Pittsburgh Steelers should've traded T.J. Watt BEFORE the 2025 NFL Draft"

Released on July 13, 2025, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume delves deep into the Pittsburgh Steelers' strategic decisions surrounding their star player, T.J. Watt. This episode not only critiques the Steelers' handling of Watt but also explores broader NFL trade dynamics, player valuations, and organizational strategies.

1. Introduction to the Steelers and T.J. Watt's Situation

The episode opens with co-host John Middlekauff expressing his dedication as a Steelers fan, attending multiple games annually. He sets the stage by discussing the recent departure of Mika (likely a pseudonym or misstatement for a Steelers player) and the implications it has on the team's dynamics.

Notable Quote:

"[00:34] John Middlekauff: The volume. What is going on, everybody? How are we doing? I just slammed a turkey sandwich."

2. Analyzing the Case for Trading T.J. Watt

Middlekauff delves into why the Steelers should have considered trading T.J. Watt before the 2025 NFL Draft. He underscores Watt's leadership and intangible value to the team but questions the financial sustainability and long-term fit within the Steelers' roster.

Key Points:

• Trade Value Assessment: Middlekauff speculates that Watt's trade value could be a late first-round pick combined with another player, potentially a defensive lineman, if trading to teams like the Eagles.

• Contract Considerations: The discussion touches on Watt's contract status, highlighting the complexities of renegotiations and the financial demands Watt might place on a new team.

• Comparisons with Other Players: Middlekauff draws parallels between Watt and Khalil Mack, emphasizing Mack's dominance and potential Hall of Fame trajectory, questioning if trading Watt is as advantageous given his standing.

Notable Quotes:

"[07:45] John Middlekauff: I thought if you're going to trade your best pass rusher, you're going to want one of their defensive linemen."

"[15:30] Middlekauff: I would say as I'm recording this right now, it's about 90 plus percent that TJ Watt is not traded."

3. The Intangible Value of T.J. Watt

The conversation shifts to the non-statistical contributions of Watt, such as leadership and team morale. Middlekauff emphasizes that Watt's presence on the field goes beyond mere numbers, offering strategic advantages that are hard to quantify.

Key Points:

• Leadership: Watt is portrayed as a cornerstone of the Steelers' defense, providing guidance and motivation to his teammates.

• Impact on Team Culture: His work ethic and commitment set a standard within the locker room, fostering a competitive and disciplined environment.

4. Listener Mailbag: Broader NFL Discussions

Middlekauff addresses several listener questions, expanding the conversation to other NFL topics:

• Player Valuations: Analysis of players like Dylan Gabriel and their draft prospects, discussing physical attributes versus on-field performance.

• Ownership and Player Investments: Insights into how NFL owners may influence or facilitate players' off-field investments and the regulatory challenges surrounding these relationships.

• Scouting Processes: An exploration of how scouts evaluate talent, the specialization within scouting roles, and the importance of former players transitioning into scouting positions.

Notable Quote:

"[20:15] Middlekauff: You have 85 scholarships now with NIL. That happens right now I'd have to look at how good his son was."

5. The Future of the Steelers and NFL Salary Cap Dynamics

A critical discussion revolves around the sustainability of the NFL salary cap, especially in the context of record-breaking deals and the assumption that the cap will continuously rise. Middlekauff posits that while the NFL appears confident in maintaining the salary cap's growth, external economic factors could pose significant risks.

Key Points:

• Salary Cap Projections: Concerns about whether current salary cap trends are maintainable in the long term.

• Economic Dependencies: The NFL's financial stability is closely tied to broadcasting deals and global markets, making it resilient but not impervious to economic downturns.

• Strategic Planning for GMs: Advising general managers to consider potential salary cap plateaus and prepare accordingly to avoid financial constraints in future seasons.

Notable Quote:

"[28:50] Middlekauff: If you were the Steelers, you would want the intangible leadership value. And that's something obviously the Steelers really value."

6. Concluding Thoughts and Final Insights

Middlekauff wraps up the episode by reflecting on the complexity of trading a player like T.J. Watt. While acknowledging his immense value, he questions whether the potential gains from a trade would outweigh the loss of Watt's on-field prowess and leadership.

Key Takeaways:

• Trade Complexity: Trading a star player involves balancing immediate financial benefits against long-term team stability and performance.

• Organizational Loyalty: The Steelers' history of maintaining player rosters suggests a possible reluctance to part ways with key talent unless absolutely necessary.

Notable Quote:

"[35:20] Middlekauff: But ultimately, like, quote unquote, splurging. Like, I'm not, I guess houses I'm into, like, I would try to buy like buildings and invest in companies and do stuff like that."

7. Conclusion

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers an in-depth analysis of the Pittsburgh Steelers' potential trade of T.J. Watt, intertwining fan perspectives, player valuations, and broader NFL economic considerations. Middlekauff provides a balanced view, weighing the tangible and intangible factors that influence such significant team decisions.

Note: The timestamps provided are approximate and based on the transcript segment where relevant discussions occur.