Latest news with #Schefter
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
So what's going on with T.J. Watt? The latest on the Steelers' premier pass rusher
The Pittsburgh Steelers struck a blockbuster deal Monday, trading five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins for seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey and one-time Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. The trade also included a pick swap. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Ramsey is getting a $1.5 million raise this season, meaning the 30-year-old corner will earn $26.6 million in 2025, only $3 million of which the Dolphins are paying. Advertisement Smith, meanwhile, is receiving a one-year contract extension worth $12 million, per Schefter. With the Steelers set to doll out money to those newcomers, questions have stirred about a veteran who was already on the roster: seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro T.J. Watt. The standout pass rusher has been unhappy with his contract situation, and, according to ESPN sources, "outside team interest is likely to increase" following this week's head-turning trade. Schefter reported Monday that, even in recent weeks, multiple teams had been discussing the possibility of a trade for Watt. But Pittsburgh has made it clear that it wants Watt to be a Steeler for life, and that goal hasn't changed, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, who reported Monday that the Steelers are still aiming to sign Watt to an extension. Advertisement Watt, who turns 31 in October, is entering the final year of the four-year, $112 million extension he signed in September 2021. That season, he ultimately won NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The pass rusher market has since changed. Myles Garrett broke the bank earlier this offseason when he inked a deal with the Cleveland Browns that pays him an average of $40 million annually, $12 million more per year than Watt's been making on his current deal. As of now, Watt is due to make $21.05 million in 2025, per Pelissero. Searching for a new contract, Watt skipped voluntary OTAs and then mandatory minicamp, the latter of which ran from June 10-12. At that time last month, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Watt's contract talks had not progressed. Advertisement Watt, a 2017 first-round pick of the Steelers, has 108 career sacks. That's more 5.5 more than Garrett and the sixth most among active NFL players. He's recorded double-digit sacks and, according to Pro Football Focus, 50-plus pressures in all but two of his eight seasons in the league. In 2024, the University of Wisconsin product tallied 11.5 sacks, 61 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and four passes defended. Watt has been the backbone of a defense that, for years, has kept Pittsburgh afloat in the AFC North despite the team's underachieving offenses. Each of the last four seasons, the Steelers have ranked no higher than 16th in the NFL in points per game. Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. The franchise is looking to finally get over the hump in 2025, hence why it's added a collection of veterans this offseason: quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf, cornerback Darius Slay Jr. and now Ramsey and Smith, too. Watt is expected to join them eventually, but that reportedly won't stop other teams from inquiring about his availability, especially after Monday's trade.
USA Today
24-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Adam Schefter reveals Steelers 'checked in' on Jalen Ramsey trade
The Jalen Ramsey-to-Pittsburgh trade rumors received an interesting update — courtesy of insider Adam Schefter. On Tuesday's edition of ESPN's Unsportsmanlike, Schefter revealed that the Steelers checked in on Ramsey — but that's where the good news ends: 'I think Pittsburgh checked in,' Schefter said. 'I'm not so sure that Pittsburgh's gonna be the destination. In fact, if I had to guess, I would say Pittsburgh would not be the likely destination. I think when you're trying to figure out a home for Jalen Ramsey, two teams that make sense — and we'll see how it plays out — would both be in Los Angeles, be it the Chargers and or the Rams. I know people have brought up the Rams, and the Rams just continue to float around out there. It would have to work financially for both sides.' It's promising that the Steelers were willing to 'check in' on an elite trade target like Ramsey, but for the time being, the All-Pro cornerback seems to be headed to the West Coast — as stated last week by Schefter. These rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, as DK Metcalf was speculated to prefer a warm-weather landing spot — before ultimately being traded to Pittsburgh. Should the Steelers offer the Dolphins a deal they can't refuse, or is this another situation where Pittsburgh is 'lowballing' in trade negotiations? For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Schefter Issues Bold Watt Prediction for Steelers Amid 'Boom-Bust' Review
Schefter Issues Bold Watt Prediction for Steelers Amid 'Boom-Bust' Review originally appeared on Athlon Sports. T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers are not there yet. But one NFL insider seems convinced that peace is on the horizon ... even amid the view that Watt - the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year who has held out from the team while seeking a rich contract extension - is a "boom-bust'' player. Advertisement That, by the way, is not a positive. The good news here? Adam Schefter of ESPN is offering up positivity as it relates to an eventual deal ... and one that is coming sooner rather than later. Schefter attempted to provide some additional clarity on the situation during a recent appearance on the "Pat McAfee Show.'' Schefter does not believe Watt's deal will match the $40 million APY deal given Cleveland's Myles Garrett. But ... "I don't know that he's going to get more than Myles Garrett," Schefter said. "I think T.J. Watt's going to get a nice, strong, healthy deal... "I can't imagine T.J. Watt wouldn't be there for the start of training camp, that Pittsburgh would not get a deal done ... He's seen all the money that's gone around, and he wants to make sure he gets rewarded in the appropriate way." There are a few things to unpack there. Advertisement Players like Watt and Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons will get significant paydays in the coming weeks or months. But age is a factor. Being four years younger than Garrett and still entering his athletic prime, Parsons' money might surpass that of the Browns star. Watt, still worth a hefty price, turns 31 this fall with his peak athletic years likely behind him. And yet ... Schefter is suggesting that "both sides are working to make it happen'' and that Watt figures to "be there for the start of training camp.'' All of this is happening while reviews are coming in on Watt. One analyst says he's no longer a top-10 defender because he's too "boom-bust.'' Advertisement Regardless, it appears Watt and the Steelers are proceeding toward a deal (with a $100 million guarantee argument in the middle of it). Whenever they arrive at their final destination, expect a huge extension for No. 90. ... and if Schefter is right, expect it to happen in time to avoid a nasty summer-long holdout. Related: T.J. Watt Signing $100 Million Guarantee With Pittsburgh Steelers Debated Related: Analyst Disputes Theory That Steelers Wanted Justin Fields This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Tommy Fleetwood Earns Wild Dak Prescott Comp at Travelers Championship
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Stepping out of his comfort zone, NFL insider Adam Schefter made his PGA Tour Live debut on Friday at the Travelers Championship, to cover the featured group of Rory McIlroy and Keegan Bradley. "It's going to be fun to get out of my cage and do something I'm not used to," Schefter told Golfweek ahead of his on-course reporting assignment. "As much as I love my job—and I do—I love the challenge of being able to experience something new." But what started as a lighthearted crossover quickly stirred up the golf world when Schefter dropped a comparison that left fans scratching their heads and some even outright fuming. Tommy Fleetwood Earns Wild Dak Prescott Comp at Travelers Championship Tommy Fleetwood Earns Wild Dak Prescott Comp at Travelers Championship Getty Images While chatting alongside analyst Robert Damron, Schefter was asked to draw parallels between NFL quarterbacks and PGA Tour players. That's when he offered: "We've got Dak Prescott, Tommy Fleetwood. Both men have played exceptionally well. Both men have tried to win the championship. "We know Tommy Fleetwood has won overseas (in Europe), still waiting to win his first tournament, maybe it comes here. Dak Prescott, trying to win his first Super Bowl." 🚨⛳️🏈 #WATCH — NFL Insider @AdamSchefter makes his debut as an on-course reporter following the Rory McIlroy + Keegan Bradley featured group. Adam has already made comparisons between Scottie Scheffler & Patrick Mahomes / Dak Prescott & Tommy Fleetwood 👀 — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 19, 2025 While Schefter's point may have hinged on Fleetwood's lack of a PGA Tour win, the comparison to Prescott, who has just two playoff wins in eight NFL seasons and no Super Bowl appearances, was brutal. If we do the right comparison, Fleetwood has 10 professional wins! It includes six on the DP World Tour, and has finished top-5 in all four majors. He's also been a Ryder Cup hero, going undefeated in team play in 2018 and contributing again in 2023. The clip went viral as soon as it was posted on NULCR GOLF's X profile. One fan expressed his anger saying, "Manufacturing drama and narratives. What a ridiculous take. You can just tell by his in your face first pitch, this ain't gonna end well. Does the guy even golf?" Another viewer quipped, "I'd be insulted if I were Tommy Fleetwood. He's not talking about as a guy you'd want to trade to the US for the Ryder Cup like Dak is by Cowboys fans". This wasn't the only comparison Schefter made. Adam Schefter compares Scottie Scheffler to Patrick Mahomes Moments before the Dak Prescott comparison, he likened World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler to Patrick Mahomes: "Scottie Scheffler, with all his unorthodox movements, the way he hits unbelievable shots—we can draw the comparison between Scottie Scheffler and Patrick Mahomes". NFL analyst Adam Schefter compares Scottie Scheffler to Patrick Mahomes. (Image Collage | Getty Images) NFL analyst Adam Schefter compares Scottie Scheffler to Patrick Mahomes. (Image Collage | Getty Images) Getty Images He also tossed out a few more: Adam Scott to Russell Wilson, Luke Clanton to Cam Ward, and Jordan Spieth to Matthew Stafford. Before Schefter got his hands on this opportunity, he expressed to Golfweek, "I'm thankful and honored they asked me to do it." "We'll see how it goes. If I love it, I'd be honored to do it again, but after one round they may say let him go back to his sport. Who knows? "I know the players, I understand the sport, I know how to report something and we'll see how it goes". Schefter, who says he watches PGA Tour Live "more than anyone" but only plays golf six times a year, clearly brought enthusiasm to the role. But if he's hoping for a second round on the mic, hoping for another shot on the mic, he might want to tighten up the comparisons—because if they keep landing like this, the golf crowd won't be as forgiving the second time around. What is your opinion on Schefter's take on the 17th-ranked world golfer, Tommy Fleetwood? Let us know in the comment section below! More Golf: Jordan Spieth Crushes Beers and Wings to Get Over U.S. Open Misery
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Adam Schefter reveals bad news for potential Jalen Ramsey, Steelers trade
The Jalen Ramsey-to-Pittsburgh train may be coming to a halt — as prominent insider Adam Schefter revealed some troubling news for a potential Steelers trade. On a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Schefter was asked if there were any more rumors he could shed light on — and he chose to address the Ramsey situation: "The Dolphins continue to have conversations about trading Jalen Ramsey," Schefter said. "And I think that a trade there will get done. The question is, when does it get done? Does it get done next week, the week after, prior to the start of training camp? I don't know exactly when it's gonna be — but Jalen Ramsey will get traded. It'll be, I would expect, before the start of training camp. We'll see how it shakes out — where he goes. I think he would like to go to the West Coast, to Los Angeles — Rams, Chargers, somewhere like that." The Rams were previously linked as a trade suitor for Ramsey, but the Chargers also seem like a solid fit for the Dolphins cornerback — much to the dismay of Pittsburgh. All speculation and rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, as it was previously reported that DK Metcalf wanted to stay on the West Coast — right before he was traded to the Steelers. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
