Chargers draft
Chargers linked to potential draft trade that could have changed everything.
The Los Angeles Chargers still have the resources to pull off a huge move.
They have the third-most salary cap space in the NFL with $49.9 million. Los Angeles didn’t spend as much during free agency as some thought it would, but did acquire some impact players such as center Tyler Biadasz, guard Cole Strange, tight end Charlie Kolar, and running back Keaton Mitchell.
The Chargers don’t have a ton of capitol in the 2026 NFL Draft, but do have selections in each of the first four rounds. If they are willing to part with a high draft pick, they have plenty of money to take on a large contract of a superstar player that could help them make a run at winning the Super Bowl.
Los Angeles Chargers Named Potential Trade Partners With Pittsburgh Steelers for Edge Rusher T.J. Watt
TJ Watt
GettySteelers edge rusher T.J. Watt
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report made a list of star NFL players who could still end up getting trade this offseason. Watt was among them, and the Chargers were named as a potential trade partner.
“For many Pittsburgh Steelers fans, the notion of trading edge-rusher T.J. Watt is ludicrous. The Wisconsin product has been to eight Pro Bowls in nine seasons, was named the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, and his 115 career sacks are the most in Steelers history. However, Watt is also a highly paid 31-year-old coming off an injury-marred season where he posted just seven sacks—tied for the second-fewest of his career. To be clear, moving Watt for anything less than a first-round pick—even with his sizable contract—would be selling low. It is also fair to question whether the current version of the Steelers, even with Aaron Rodgers, profiles as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Add in that the Steelers have an in-house replacement already on the roster in Nick Herbig, and maybe dealing Watt isn’t so ludicrous after all.”
Chargers Acquiring Watt From Steelers May Not Be as Crazy as It May Seem
TJ Watt Trade
GettyT.J. Watt
Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot shared what Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette told 93.7 The Fan about the possibility of the Steelers moving on from Watt.
“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 out of the realm of possibilities that, given how large Watt’s contract is, Pittsburgh would take a second-round pick for him. That would be an absolute steal compensation-wise. Even giving up a first-round pick wouldn’t be bad for a player the caliber of Watt. If he was still in his 20s, it would take several draft picks to complete a trade for Watt.
The issue is largely the combination of injury concerns and money. Watt has three years left on his current deal, with each one having significant salary cap hits. The Chargers are in good shape financially to handle it, but it would be a shame if Watt continues to struggle staying healthy. If he avoids major injuries, however, Watt should remain an All-Pro level player for several more years.