Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has occasionally dabbled in high-profile trades, but he’s not known for overspending.
Might he be willing to take a big swing in an attempt to trade for a superstar like, say, T.J. Watt?
Negotiations between Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers have hit a wall, with Watt skipping OTAs and minicamp. Both sides are still motivated to strike a deal, but there have been rumblings that a blockbuster trade could be brewing.
Back in 2022, the Eagles sent the No.18 and No. 101 overall picks in that year’s draft to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for wide receiver A.J. Brown. That was the last time Roseman dealt a first rounder.
Bleacher Report’s Mitch Milani thinks Roseman should try to do it again for Watt, naming Philly as a team who should go all in on a “blockbuster” trade.
Philadelphia Eagles Trade Proposal Sends 3 Draft Picks to Steelers for T.J. Watt
Getty ImagesShould the Philadelphia Eagles attempt to trade for T.J. Watt?
First things first: The Steelers very likely don’t want to trade Watt. Like at all. He’s the heart and soul of their defense. But let’s play along, as anything is possible.
In Milani’s proposal, Roseman and the Eagles would send Pittsburgh their 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for Watt. That’s fair compensation considering the proven player he is.
The 30-year-old Steelers All-Pro is in the final year of a four-year, $112 million extension signed he signed in 2021. He’s seeking a new deal in the $35–40 million per year range.
Drafted 30th overall in 2017 out of Wisconsin, Watt’s impact was instant. From 2018 onward, he earned seven straight Pro Bowl selections, with his best year coming in 2021, when he matched the single‑season sack record of 22.5 sacks, held by Michael Strahan. He earned Defensive Player of the Year and first‑team All‑Pro honors that year.
In 2023 he led the league with 19 sacks, and in 2024 he finished with 11.5 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles.
His full résumé: 108 career sacks, 33 forced fumbles, eight Pro Bowls, four first-team All‑Pros, and three Deacon Jones Awards.
Why the Eagles Could Use Another Quality Pass Rusher
The Eagles lost Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff and veteran Brandon Graham—all of whom combined for 14 sacks in 2024—this offseason. Now, they’re looking to Nolan Smith (6.5 sacks in 2024), Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, and Josh Uche to fill that void.
Adding a player like Watt to the mix, with his track record of creating turnovers and pestering opposing QBs, is exactly what Vic Fangio’s needs to become elite.
Although Watt’s desired contract is hefty, he would be an upgrade on the defensive line for the win-now Eagles. Philly currently has $30.8 million in cap space, so a move like this is certainly feasible.
Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice also thinks adding to the defensive line is something Roseman and company are looking to do. “I think that edge rusher is a possibility, depending on what they see from Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche in training camp,” Kempski wrote on June 17.
Again, it’s a total long shot, but a play for Watt would be one blockbuster trade proposal the Eagles should try to turn into a reality.
