Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt is undoubtedly on the Mount Rushmore of the best current defensive players in the NFL. Signs this offseason have shown that Watt wants to be paid like the best, too.
According to contract data from Spotrac, Watt is entering the final year of a four-year, $112 million deal he signed in 2021 as an extension to his rookie contract. While an average annual value of $28 million per season is a hefty chunk of change, there is a contract figure that Watt is almost certainly wanting to eclipse: the four-year, $160 million agreement Myles Garrett signed with the Cleveland Browns.
For the time being, Watt has been holding out of the Steelers' offseason activities, as he was a no-show at both voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The Steelers are keen on holding on to him, but the longer he remains unsigned, the more trade rumors will circulate. And with nearly every team in the league standing to benefit from his services, many potential suitors have emerged.
Bleacher Report's Mitchel Milani believes the New England Patriots are among these suitors and, if they are willing to part ways with some significant assets, can add Watt to their defensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) following the win over the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) following the win over the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Milani proposes that a deal could be done if the Patriots part ways with wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick.
"T.J. Watt would be a valued player of this defense, a playmaker that the Patriots don't really have at the edge position," Milani said. "They do have good players – like [Harold] Landry, Keion White is an up-and-comer, Anfernee Jennings is solid against the run – but they don't exactly have guys that can take over a game."
Milani said the Patriots are in a prime financial position to make a trade with the Steelers work, as they have an abundance of cap space ($60 million, the most of any team in the league) and plenty of draft capital. On the field, though, Milani believes Watt will instantly turn the Patriots' defensive line into "one of the best in the NFL."
"Milton Williams was signed to a ginormous contract – the most expensive in New England history. Christian Barmore is an excellent player when healthy. And, like we said, Keion White is an up-and-comer," Milani said. "Then, you have Harold Landry, as well. Even the depth would be crazy, from that standpoint."
Watt has been among the top defensive players in the league from a statistical standpoint, as he is credited with 462 tackles, 108 sacks, 33 forced fumbles and seven interceptions over his eight-year career. He is also a four-time All-Pro First Teamer and seven-time Pro Bowler, in addition to being the league's Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.