The Green Bay Packers are in a good spot to compete in the NFC, if Jordan Love is able to demonstrate he can consistently perform like a top-10 quarterback.
However, the roster is still short on proven blue-chip type players, particularly on defense. As such a move for discontent Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro edge rusher, TJ Watt, could make a lot of sense.
And Adam Schefter reports that in light of the Jalen Ramsey trade earlier on Monday, Watt could more likely to switch teams in the near future.
Sources: In recent weeks, multiple teams have been discussing whether they can trade for Steelers’ standout T.J. Watt, who skipped the team’s most recent minicamp. Pittsburgh hasn’t shown any willingness to deal Watt so far, but he’s unhappy with his contractual situation and… pic.twitter.com/iBh1DJr4uD
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 30, 2025
In an article on ESPN, Schefter expanded on Watt’s annoyance with his situation with the team, which is currently seeing him enter a contract year in 2025.
“Watt, who is entering the final year of his contract with the Steelers, also skipped voluntary OTAs this offseason as he attempted to negotiate a new deal….Watt, who turns 31 in October, hasn’t spoken publicly since the end of the 2024 season, but he seemingly expressed frustration with the negotiations in April when he posted a picture to his Instagram story of himself flashing a peace sign in a Steelers jersey.”
What Would TJ Watt Bring To The Packers?
A lot. Rashan Gary has not been the kind of consistent threat off the edge that Green Bay envisioned when they drafted him with the 12th overall pick back in 2019, even though he has turned into a broadly effective player.
Lukas Van Ness, who was drafted with the same draft selection four years later in 2023, has to-date shown very little for fans to get excited for – although he is potentially primed for a breakout season in 2025.
So not only Watt would bring that pedigree and true elite-level production to a Packers team that did not produce as well off the edge in 2024 as they would have hoped pre-season, but he would act as a mentor for Van Ness and other young defensive linemen who are looking to kick on this season.
What Could Stop Green Bay From Acquiring Watt?
Primarily, the Steelers. Schefter noted that the team was not fielding offers for the former Defensive Player of the Year. But if contract negotiations do not progress, it would not be shocking to see Pittsburgh relent and get a return on Watt, who turns 31 in October.
Another drawback would likely be scheme-related, as the Packers shifted to a 4-3 base last season, moving away from the 3-4 scheme that was run under successive former defensive coordinators, going back to the days of Dom Capers. And Watt has spent the entirety of his career playing as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
But accommodations can be made, and there is no doubt that ex Wisconsin man would still be effective as a hand-in-the-ground defensive end.
This is not anything near an imminent likelihood, but certainly a situation to keep an eye on in the coming weeks and months.
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