A blockbuster trade proposal has the Pittsburgh Steelers sending franchise star T.J. Watt to an NFC heavyweight in a move that would set off fireworks across the NFL.
Last month, Watt fueled trade speculation when he posted a photo of himself flashing the “peace” sign on his Instagram story. Many fans interpreted this as Watt’s way of saying goodbye to the Steelers, not to mention that the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year is heading into the final season of his contract.
The Steelers have never been afraid to move on from star players in their prime years. They just sent star wideout George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, and he’s seven years younger than T.J. Watt.Mike Ostrowski of Heavy.com proposed a massive trade idea that has Pittsburgh trading T.J. Watt to the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, who lost several key pass rushers to retirement or free agency:“Because of Watt’s age, he may not be worth a 1st-round pick anymore. A 2026 2nd round selection, or a package featuring a 3rd and a 5th round pick, is a more realistic expectation, and one that Philly can easily offer up.
They hold 12 picks as well, including one 2nd Rounder, a conditional 3rd that could become a 2nd, two guaranteed 3rds, and three guaranteed 5ths.”The Eagles’ 2024 sacks leader, Josh Sweat, signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Milton Williams, who finished third behind Sweat and Nolan Smith, left for a lucrative payday from the New England Patriots.With the Eagles’ Super Bowl window open, GM Howie Roseman will never be afraid to swing for the fences. So if the Steelers make T.J. Watt available, don’t be surprised if Roseman makes an attempt to keep him in Pennsylvania…just in midnight green instead of black and yellow.
Steelers Decision On T.J. Watt May Come Down To Aaron RodgersT.J. Watt (Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)The Steelers are still waiting to hear from free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has yet to decide if he’ll sign up for another season. If Rodgers joins, the Steelers are better off keeping Watt and making a run at the Super Bowl.
If Rodgers retires, the Steelers simply won’t contend with Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback. As such, they may be better off trading Watt and getting valuable draft capital to kickstart an inevitable rebuild.