It won’t be anytime soon, but several teams across the NFL are keeping an eye on Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher, TJ Watt, as a potential trade candidate next year. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Watt holds a lot of value as a premium, especially after what he’s accomplished in his entire career with the team. Watt, a former first-round pick, became one of the most dangerous edge-rushers in the league and became the most disruptive defensive player. The veteran is entering the 10th season of his career, but injuries could become worrisome at his age, 31.
Another source predicted that the Steelers could trade Watt to keep fellow 24-year-old teammate Nick Herbig as the long-term investment of this defense. It would be a no-brainer for the Steelers, especially after head coach Mike Tomlin departed, and now QB Aaron Rodgers is entering what is likely his last year in the league. Herbig is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and Alex Highsmith would still have one more season in the books under his current deal. This means there won’t be any room for Watt anyway, and the Steelers could be in a rebuild after the 2026 season between Drew Allar and Will Howard.
TJ Watt
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“Several Teams” View Sensational Pass-Rusher TJ Watt as Top Trade Candidate
TJ Watt will easily garner a lot of attention next offseason if the Steelers fall short of a Super Bowl again. The sensation has teased a trade before last offseason, and that could become a thing if he feels like he needs to win a championship. Watt has done more than enough to firmly put himself into the Hall of Fame, recording eight Pro Bowls, four All-Pro nods and being the forced fumbles leader twice in his career. If the Steelers want to keep Highsmith, too, with Herbig, Watt could join these three teams in the future.
Potential Landing Spots
Dallas Cowboys
TJ Watt joining the Dallas Cowboys would be the dream scenario. The team tried to trade for Maxx Crosby this offseason, but failed to meet the Las Vegas Raiders’ asking price. However, the offseason has been highly productive in terms of improving the defense. The team traded for Rashan Gary while drafting Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham.
They also traded for Dee Winters to strengthen the depth, but they still lack a true superstar. Gary is coming off an unproductive 2025 campaign, so there isn’t a guarantee he could get established. If everything falls apart during the 2026 season, the team could look to aggressively pursue Watt before the trade deadline.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Meanwhile, the Jaguars extended Travon Walker, but lost Devin Lloyd to the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Foyesade Oluokun and Jack Kiser lead one of the worst linebacker units in the league. They need an established veteran to save this defense to become powerful once again. Josh Allen-Hines and Walker are two established, reliable defensive standouts, but the Jaguars should pursue Watt.
The Jaguars let RB Travis Etienne walk while rebuilding their offense that extended Jakobi Meyers last year. They could be setting up for what could be a monster trade next offseason if QB Trevor Lawrence fails to reach the AFC Championship Game. Watt could strengthen those chances and get the Jaguars to become the most dominant since the Myles Jack, Leonard Fournette and Jalen Ramsey era.
Chicago Bears
With Dayo Odeyingbo returning from a season-ending injury, the team still has a glaring hole at the edge-rushing position. The Bears had one of the most successful seasons under head coach Ben Johnson, and they now have QB Caleb Williams as a legitimate leader, who could help this offense thrive. However, every successful offense must have a dominant defense.
This means, after losing Tremaine Edmunds and several secondary talents, including Jaquan Brisker, the Bears need to revamp the pass-rush. TJ Watt won’t single-handedly do it at his age, but he’d be an exceptional duo with Montez Sweat as a starter.