Training camp is right around the corner, with the Patriots due back in Foxboro on July 23rd, and it will be the first time Mike Vrabel gets a solid look at the roster they assembled this offseason. It will inevitably lead to cuts and additions, with some significant moves still to be made, which could include a blockbuster trade, given the players who are continuing their holdouts.
One of the most prominent names of all is Steelers' linebacker T.J. Watt, who the Patriots have been consistently projected to trade for by various news outlets. Although it might be a pipe dream, as many analysts believe the 30-year-old won't be dealt anytime soon, there are still some noteworthy trade proposals to consider, especially knowing how nothing is ever off the table in the NFL.
The Patriots have the cap space, with an estimated $60 million still available to spend, to pull off a trade of Watt's caliber, and they could certainly use a proven pass rusher to put their defensive line over the top. It's an idea that Vrabel and Eliot Wolf have not shut down, making many believe they could be one of the teams calling Pittsburgh about Watt's availability.
Because of that, Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report suggests a trade package that could persuade the Steelers to send their star to New England, making it difficult for fans to turn it down.
The Patriots might have the right trade package to offer the Steelers to acquire T.J. Watt
Among the four teams that Sobleski lists as potential trade partners with the Steelers, the Patriots are considered the most sensible.
Because if Watt is dealt, it's unlikely that the Patriots would offer a first-round pick, given where they are projected to land; they are the only team listed that doesn't include that in their package, which might work against them. However, Sobleski includes two future picks along with starting safety Jabrill Peppers to sweeten the deal, hoping that would be enough to get Watt in Foxboro.
If Mike Tomlin and Co. are hoping to build for the future, investing in future picks wouldn't be a bad idea, even more so if they don't view Watt in those plans.
The Patriots would be shipping off one of their best defenders, however, who has put together an impressive resume since signing with the team in 2022. However, with Kyle Dugger expected to turn things around this fall, alongside young players Jaylinn Hawkins and Dell Pettus on the roster, it wouldn't be as devastating to see Peppers go.
That is especially true if they were to get Watt in return, who has recorded 129 combined tackles, 38 for a loss, 63 quarterback hits, ten forced fumbles, five recoveries, and 30.5 sacks over the last two seasons. The Patriots haven't had the kind of production almost ever, with the exception being Matthew Judon in 2022.
Adding Watt would immediately boost the chances of the Patriots' defensive line being among the most dominant in the NFL. He would help elevate those around him, such as Keion White and Milton Williams, to assemble one of the most impressive groups the team has seen in years.
It would be the cherry on top of what already appears to be a very successful offseason, even if it might be widely considered far-fetched. We've seen previously considered untouchable players be moved in the past, so Watt shouldn't be regarded as untouchable, leaving the door open for the Patriots to make a big-time move.
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