TJ Watt
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Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher TJ Watt would be an instant game-changer with the Los Angeles Rams.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an interesting offseason. Firstly, they’ve essentially brought in an entirely new coaching staff led by new head coach Mike McCarthy, who replaces Mike Tomlin after nearly two decades. Secondly, the roster changes have been significant — and they could continue to be before the start of the season.
With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, just about anything is possible as teams look to improve their rosters ahead of the season. That includes exploring trades — even involving some of their most well-known players, like Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport predicts with Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt.
T.J. Watt Trade Idea Continues To Surface Despite Star Status
This is by no means the first time T.J. Watt has been floated as a potential trade candidate. But with each suggestion, it’s clear the idea isn’t going away — even if Davenport himself admits many fans would view it as “ludicrous.”
So why would it even be on the table?
For one, Davenport points to fourth-year linebacker Nick Herbig as a potential in-house replacement for Watt.
Then there’s the contract. Watt signed a massive three-year, $123 million deal before last season, one that carries cap hits north of $42 million annually. He’s also now 31 years old and coming off a season with just seven sacks — tied for the second-lowest total of his career.
That combination at least opens the door to the conversation, even if it’s not a popular one.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo explained why the Steelers could at least explore the idea.
“I do think Omar (Khan) will at least throw some feelers out there and see if anyone is interested in T.J., but it’s a big ticket. That contract is structured in such a way that it’s $42 million each and every year. I can count on one hand the number of teams who are probably willing to do that. And then even if they are, you have to come to terms with what you would want in return for T.J. Would you take a discount and say, OK, I’ll just take a second-round pick. Would you do that if you’re the Steelers?”
It’s not about wanting to move on from Watt — it’s about whether the situation makes it worth at least picking up the phone.
Steelers Could Target Massive Draft Haul From Two Super Bowl Contenders
Davenport lists two potential Super Bowl contenders as landing spots for T.J.Watt: the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.
But if the Steelers were to seriously consider a deal, Davenport says it shouldn’t come cheap.
“To be clear, moving Watt for anything less than a first-round pick—even with his sizable contract—would be selling low,” Davenport added.
That’s where things get interesting.
If Pittsburgh were somehow able to land a first-round pick in return — likely in 2026 — it would significantly reshape their draft outlook. Paired with their current No. 21 overall selection, the Steelers could suddenly find themselves with two first-round picks and as many as 13 total selections.
That kind of draft capital would give Pittsburgh the flexibility to either reload quickly or reshape the roster in a completely different direction. They could also shake up the entire 2026 draft.
And while a T.J. Watt trade still feels unlikely, the fact that it continues to be discussed says everything about where the Steelers currently stand — somewhere between competing now and quietly preparing for what’s next.