The NFL offseason is a time for bold moves, and a recent analysis has thrown a potential blockbuster into the conversation. According to Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport, Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive powerhouse T.J. Watt has been named a "surprising" trade possibility as the NFL Draft approaches.
Davenport's reasoning hinges on the Steelers' current competitive window. He suggests that even with the addition of a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh may not be a clear Super Bowl contender. Trading Watt, while a seismic shift, could provide the draft capital needed to aggressively pursue a franchise quarterback of the future. The writer notes that the Steelers have a potential in-house replacement in young edge rusher Nick Herbig, making the idea less "ludicrous" than it first sounds.
For any team considering a deal, the price would be astronomical. Watt isn't just a star; he's a generational talent. Since being drafted in the first round in 2017, he has compiled a Hall of Fame-worthy resume: 115 sacks, 136 tackles for loss, and 36 forced fumbles over 135 games. Davenport argues that moving him for anything less than a first-round pick would be "selling low."
The timing is another critical factor. While speculation is swirling now, a trade might make more strategic sense for Pittsburgh after the 2025 season. Waiting could maximize his value and provide the ammunition needed to vault up the draft board for a top quarterback prospect in 2026. For now, the idea of Watt in anything but black and gold remains a shocking "what if" as the Steelers navigate a pivotal offseason.
