The Chicago Bears watched as the Los Angeles Rams traded Jared Verse and multiple premium draft picks to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett, and a similar situation could develop between the Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Steelers and pass rusher Nick Herbig have agreed to a massive four-year, $100 million extension that includes $42 million in guaranteed money.
Something that, according to fellow insider Jeremy Fowler, could turn superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt into a potential trade candidate.
Latest Steelers-Nick Herbig News Opens Door for Blockbuster Bears Trade
Fowler wrote on May 14th that if the Steelers were to extend Herbig (which they did on June 2nd), Watt could become a trade candidate.
“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.”
To bring up Fowler’s point with the Steelers having three large contracts allocated to one position, that would also be the Bears’ case if they were to trade for Watt.
He’d join a pass rush group that has two players on large contracts — Montez Sweat (four-year, $98 million) and Dayo Odeyingbo (three-year, $48 million). If the Bears want to make a trade for Watt work, they’d likely have to cut one of the two pass rushers, which would probably mean the end of Odeyingbo’s short career in Chicago.
Watt would instantly elevate the entire Bears’ defense, but heading into his 10th season at age 31 with over $30 million in guaranteed money in both 2026 and 2027, it might not be a move that general manager Ryan Poles is willing to make.
If that’s the case, there’s another pass rusher in Pittsburgh the Bears could trade for.
Another Steelers Pass Rush Target for the Bears
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 18: Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is congratulated by Nick Herbig #51 after scoring a touchdown after an interception against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium on September 18, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Yahoo Sports senior reporter Charles Robinson reported back on April 20th that Alex Highsmith’s name was “floating around front offices” as a potential trade candidate.
“Highsmith turns 29 in August and still has two years remaining for a total scheduled base salary of $30 million ($14.5 in 2026 and $15.5 in 2027),” Robinson wrote.
A much more doable number for the Bears to manage, plus he’s younger than Watt (will be 29 by the time next season rolls around) and productive (50 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble in 2025).
Poles may be inclined to sit out of any trade discussions and sign a free agent like Joey Bosa or Cameron Jordan, but with the Steelers extending Herbig, a potential trade for Watt or Highsmith is something to keep in mind. Either way, the Bears need to find answers in the pass rushing department.
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