Steelers have clear plans regarding T.J. Watt trade rumors

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The Pittsburgh Steelers paid Nick Herbig, one of their pass rushers, and that got everyone thinking.

Are T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith now on the trade block?

Not so fast, says NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport joined the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday to clear some things up about what the Steelers are thinking about their future on the edge.

"T.J. Watt isn't going anywhere this year and he's going to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers," Rapoport said. "... I don't get the sense that Alex Highsmith is going anywhere, either."'

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While things can change, that's pretty definitive for the moment from Rapoport.

There had been speculation months ago about what might happen with Herbig -- whether an extension could push someone else out, or whether Pittsburgh would figure out a way to extract value in a trade for Herbig himself.

Now, the Steelers have three pass-rushing standouts under big contracts. It's clearly an important role in the NFL, as long as Pittsburgh can keep the rest of its roster balanced, too.

Watt would always be a tough sell as a potential trade candidate. Yes, Myles Garrett was just traded, but that was from a Browns franchise that continues to have little hope of contention.

The Steelers are still a proud organization chasing the playoffs every year. Given that they have 42-year old Aaron Rodgers back at QB for another season, it's also not a rebuilding year. You better win if you're going to push the future at quarterback aside in favor of a clear present-looking move.

With that in mind, it makes sense that the Steelers would keep their core intact, led by Watt on the defensive side. They may not be Super Bowl favorites, but this is what they've got, and there's plenty of talent to work with.