After months of not making a move to address their need for another pass rusher, it seems some may think the Detroit Lions could be getting a bit desperate to add one.
At least, that must be the case based on the latest trade idea for them to add that missing piece of their defense.
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes
93.7 The Fan's Andrew Fillipponi recently took to Twitter to pose a question to Pittsburgh Steelers fans.
He asked if fans would consider trading T.J. Watt to the Lions in exchange for Jameson Williams, second-round pick in 2026, and a third-round pick in 2027.
If the Steelers were to actually call with this offer, the Lions should hang up immediately.
It's not easy to figure out what Watt's exact value would be if he were to be traded. There's just not a whole lot to compare to because players like Watt simply don't get traded often.
The best comparison available is probably Khalil Mack. The Raiders traded him, a second rounder, and a conditional fifth for two firsts, a third, a sixth. At the time he had already earned a Defensive Player of the Year and two All=Pro nods at 27 years old.
Watt is more decorated, but will also turn 31 early in the 2025 season.
With his age and what a contract extension will cost any team that trades for him, I think a fair value for him is a first rounder and third rounder.
This deal would essentially see the Lions overpay by a second-round pick as Williams should get them a first if they were to trade him.
There's no questioning the talent of Watt or what he could do for a Lions defense that is already loaded with talent. His age just makes it really tough to give up a haul for him.
There's a rumor out there that the Steelers have looked into his value, but the Lions feel unlikely to actually make a move for Watt and shouldn't if this is what it would cost them.