The future of Pittsburgh steelers All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt is a hot topic in NFL circles. As he navigates the final year of his current contract, speculation about a potential trade has emerged. While the likelihood of such a move is widely considered low, the unique circumstances surrounding his negotiation and the evolving edge rusher market make analyzing hypothetical landing spots a compelling exercise for fans and analysts alike. This article delves into the reasons behind the rumors and explores the teams that could theoretically be in the mix if the Steelers were to consider parting ways with their Defensive Player of the Year.
Understanding the T.J. Watt Contract Situation
T.J. Watt, a dominant force since being drafted in 2017, is entering the last season of a four-year, $112.01 million contract he signed in 2021. This deal made him one of the highest-paid defenders at the time. However, the market for elite edge rushers has dramatically reset recently. Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett inked a new four-year, $160 million extension earlier this offseason, establishing a significant new benchmark. Given Watt’s production and status as a former Defensive Player of the Year, it’s expected his next contract will need to approach or surpass Garrett’s figure.
Negotiations between Watt and the Steelers are reportedly ongoing but have not yet resulted in an agreement. This lack of progress led to Watt skipping mandatory minicamp, a common tactic players use during contract disputes to signal their seriousness. The situation has fueled public discussion and media speculation about whether the two sides might reach an impasse, potentially leading to a trade.
How Likely Is a T.J. Watt Trade? Examining the Reality
Despite the contractual tension and minicamp absence, the overwhelming consensus among NFL insiders is that a T.J. Watt trade remains highly improbable. The Pittsburgh Steelers are notoriously reluctant to trade superstar players, especially one as integral to their defense and franchise identity as Watt. Their stated preference is unequivocally to sign him to a long-term extension and keep him in Pittsburgh for his entire career.
NFL personality Rich Eisen has been particularly vocal in dismissing the trade rumors. He stated on his show that he would be “stunned” if the Steelers traded Watt over a contract dispute. Eisen points to the team’s aggressive offseason moves as clear evidence of a “win-now” mentality heading into 2025. The Steelers have made significant investments, acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers, trading for high-priced players like wide receiver DK Metcalf (giving him the richest receiver deal in team history) and cornerback Jalen Ramsey (who received a raise), and signing tight end Jonnu Smith to a lucrative contract. They also re-signed veteran defensive captain Cameron Heyward and drafted a defensive tackle in the first round, prioritizing immediate impact over a potential quarterback for the future. These actions, according to Eisen, are fundamentally incompatible with trading a cornerstone player like Watt. He argues trading Watt would be the “silliest thing to do” after committing so heavily to competing immediately. Local reporters familiar with the organization also agree, indicating a trade is simply “not on the radar.”
While contract talks are tough, the expectation is that a deal will eventually be reached. Watt’s 2021 extension was finalized just days before the regular season, suggesting a similar late resolution is possible, even if not ideal.
Hypothetical Landing Spots If a Trade Defied Expectations
Given the strong arguments against a trade, any discussion of T.J. Watt landing spots is purely speculative, premised on the unlikely scenario that negotiations completely break down. If such an unprecedented situation occurred, numerous contenders would undoubtedly express interest in acquiring the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The Steelers, if forced to trade him, would likely prefer sending him to an NFC team to avoid facing him in the AFC.
Here are several NFC teams often mentioned as potential destinations, based on factors like cap space, team needs, and front office tendencies:
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are frequently cited as a potential, albeit still unlikely, destination. General Manager Howie Roseman is known for making aggressive, high-profile trades. The Eagles possess significant available cap space, reportedly around $30.8 million, which could theoretically accommodate a market-setting contract for Watt.
Furthermore, the Eagles have a clear need for proven edge rushing talent. They lost key players at the position this offseason, with Josh Sweat departing in free agency, Bryce Huff traded, and Brandon Graham retiring. While young players like Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt are developing, adding a dominant veteran like Watt would instantly bolster their defense and help maintain their perceived Super Bowl window. However, a significant caveat exists: reports suggest the Eagles’ current cap strategy is geared towards long-term flexibility, particularly to afford extensions for promising young defenders like Jalen Carter in the coming years. Committing massive cap space to a 30-year-old defender, even one as elite as Watt, might run counter to this long-term financial planning despite the immediate roster fit.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions present another compelling hypothetical fit, largely due to their financial flexibility and defensive needs. Detroit is one of only three NFL teams reported to have over $40 million in cap space for the upcoming season, making the financial hurdle of acquiring and extending Watt relatively low.
On the field, the Lions boast one of the league’s best young pass rushers in Aidan Hutchinson. However, they lack a consistent, proven threat on the opposite side. Pairing Watt with Hutchinson would immediately create one of the NFL’s most dynamic and feared pass-rushing duos, significantly elevating Detroit’s defense. Brad Holmes, the Lions’ General Manager, has shown a willingness to make impactful moves to build a contender, and acquiring a player of Watt’s caliber would align with that philosophy.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers also possess significant cap space, ranking fifth in the league with approximately $35.5 million available. This financial position makes them a plausible destination from a purely economic standpoint if a trade scenario unfolded.
The Packers drafted Lukas Van Ness in the first round in 2023 with the hope he would develop into a starting edge rusher opposite Rashan Gary. While Van Ness is still developing, adding Watt would provide an immediate, high-level partner for Gary. This would allow Van Ness to continue maturing in a rotational or backup role without the pressure of being an immediate starter, potentially benefiting his long-term development. Green Bay’s cap situation makes affording Watt straightforward, and adding an elite defender could accelerate their timeline as they build around quarterback Jordan Love.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winners of three consecutive NFC South titles, represent another team that could benefit from Watt’s pass-rushing prowess and potentially afford him. The Buccaneers have a respectable $26.6 million in available cap space.
While they signed veteran Haason Reddick to a one-year deal, and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey led the team with 7.5 sacks last season, Tampa Bay could still use a consistent, high-volume sack threat off the edge. Watt would instantly provide that presence. His addition could help solidify a defense for a team that remains competitive and could use a boost to contend deeper in the playoffs.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams, known for their aggressive approach under General Manager Les Snead, particularly his willingness to trade draft capital for proven veteran talent, cannot be ruled out in a hypothetical Watt trade scenario. The Rams have promising young defensive line talent, including Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse.
However, the idea of pairing Watt with Verse is tantalizing. It could recreate a dominant pass-rushing tandem similar to the one Von Miller and Aaron Donald formed during their Super Bowl 56 run. With quarterback Matthew Stafford entering his age-37 season, the Rams might feel a sense of urgency to make a “win-now” move that adds immediate, elite talent. While their exact cap situation might require some maneuvering, Snead’s history suggests they would explore possibilities for a player of Watt’s caliber.
Factors Impacting a Hypothetical Trade
Beyond cap space and team need, several factors would heavily influence any potential T.J. Watt trade. At 30 years old (turning 31 during the season), his age means an acquiring team would be paying for the latter half of his prime or potentially the start of a decline, albeit from an extremely high level. The trade compensation required by the Steelers would be substantial, likely involving multiple high draft picks, given Watt’s value and the remaining year on his current deal. Any team trading for Watt would also need to be prepared to immediately negotiate and sign him to a significant long-term contract extension, likely in the range of $30-40 million annually, in addition to giving up assets. This combination of trade cost and contract commitment narrows the field considerably to only true contenders with ample resources and a clear strategic fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation with T.J. Watt’s contract and the Steelers?
T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is currently in negotiations with the team for a long-term extension. These talks follow recent market-setting deals for other elite edge rushers, suggesting Watt is seeking a significant raise. Watt skipped mandatory minicamp during these ongoing discussions.
Which teams are considered potential landing spots if T.J. Watt were traded?
While a trade is widely considered unlikely, hypothetical landing spots mentioned in speculation include NFC teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams. These teams are often cited due to their available salary cap space, needs at the edge rusher position, and general manager tendencies for making aggressive trades.
How likely is it that the Steelers will actually trade T.J. Watt?
NFL insiders and local reporters generally view a T.J. Watt trade as highly improbable. The Steelers’ stated preference is to sign Watt to an extension, and the team has made several significant “win-now” moves this offseason that contradict the idea of trading a cornerstone player. While contract talks can be difficult, the expectation remains that a deal will be reached before the season begins.
Conclusion
The possibility of a T.J. Watt trade, while generating considerable discussion, remains firmly in the realm of speculation rather than realistic expectation. The Pittsburgh Steelers value Watt immensely, and their offseason actions signal a clear intent to compete for a Super Bowl, making a trade of their defensive centerpiece highly counterproductive. Rich Eisen and others reporting on the situation largely dismiss the notion.
Nonetheless, the hypothetical exercise of identifying potential landing spots highlights which teams possess the financial flexibility, roster needs, and strategic inclination that could make such a move possible if the relationship between Watt and the Steelers were to deteriorate to an unprecedented degree. The Eagles, Lions, Packers, Buccaneers, and Rams represent plausible fits based on current circumstances. Ultimately, the most likely outcome is a familiar one for Steelers fans: a dramatic negotiation period that culminates in a lucrative contract extension keeping T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future, upholding the team’s long-standing philosophy.
