“You can’t build a house on shifting sand,” said the wise old ones. Now, Colin Cowherd might not be an architect. But he sure knows how to stir the pot. The analyst dropped a bold suggestion about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ future. The Steelers Nation is used to the constant chatter surrounding their beloved team. But this latest suggestion is one that might have them shaking their heads. Get ready for the hot take that will make you raise an eyebrow.

Cowherd just suggested Pittsburg trade defensive superstar TJ Watt and wideout George Pickens. Why? To secure their quarterback of the future. “I would trade TJ Watt, George Pickens, two first-round picks if your scouting department said Shedeur Sanders is the guy,” Cowherd said. “I think Cam Ward’s gonna go No. 1, I think Shedeur Sanders you could get at No. 5, 6, or 7.” Cowherd’s argument centers on Pittsburgh’s struggles to find stability at quarterback.

Kenny Pickett was once their hope. But he is now a backup for the Eagles. Cowherd suggests a clean slate by going all-in to draft Shedeur Sanders, despite acknowledging he might not be the top overall pick. “The Steelers have been, you know, putting Band-Aids on for six years,” Cowherd said. “I think they have to rip it off.” The idea is dramatic, sure. And it sparked a predictable backlash.

Fans, analysts, and former players weighed in. They questioned the logic of mortgaging the team’s future for an unproven quarterback. TJ Watt is the heart of the Steelers’ defense. And trading him feels unthinkable. Watt remains a game changer. Pairing him with Pickens and two high-value draft picks is a steep price. It would be a gamble on Sanders. Since he is a promising yet unproven college star.

The skepticism isn’t unwarranted. The 2025 quarterback draft class lacks the hype of 2024. 2024 was when Caleb Williams and Drake Maye headlined. Cowherd himself admitted Sanders might go later in the draft. If Sanders isn’t the consensus top talent, why pay such a heavy price? Former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger echoed fan concerns.

The TJ Watt saga: is the Steelers defense going to suffer for the quarterback carousel?

“The Steelers have to invest in the offense this offseason. I know people are talking about it, but does that mean you are trading Minkah? Are you trading TJ? What are you doing there? I don’t know that I agree with that,” Roethlisberger said and suggested another option. “I wouldn’t get rid of him… I think you can move on from George and get something for him.” Watt’s production and leadership are irreplaceable. And trading him for an uncertain solution perhaps raises more questions than answers. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson did okay this season.

Russ started the season bright buy fizzled out as the season dragged on. Justin Fields, waiting in the wings, remains an enigma. There’s not enough data to call him the long-term answer. The Steelers’ quarterback carousel remains a headache. Pittsburgh’s options are shrinking with limited cap space and no clear-cut draft prospect. Mike Tomlin faces mounting pressure. Fans demand change after six straight playoff losses. But does Tomlin agree with Cowherd or Roethlisberger’s suggestion?

“There’s certainly, obviously, more room for growth there.” This is what Tomlin said about Pickens during his season-ending press conference. Trading Watt and Pickens together would mark a franchise-altering pivot. But many believe a more measured approach could yield better results. And that might be an approach focused on retaining talent and improving offensive depth.

The road ahead is uncertain as Pittsburgh weighs its options. Whether they swing for Sanders or trust in Fields, their decisions could define the franchise for years. Steelers Nation waits anxiously for clarity. And they are hoping their team builds on solid ground, not shifting sand.