The New England Patriots have made a bevy of moves this offseason to bolster the roster after back-to-back four-win seasons.
New England could do one more with this trade proposal for Pittsburgh Steelers star edge T.J. Watt, compiled by Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski. In Sobleski’s pitch, he suggests the Patriots send safety Jabrill Peppers, a 2026 second-round draft pick, and a 2027 third-round pick to the Steelers for Watt, a four-time All-Pro.
Watt has been the subject of trade speculation this offseason, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that “multiple teams have been discussing whether they can trade” for longtime star. The Steelers have made a host of moves this offseason but haven’t paid Watt, who wants to make a financial splash.
“The stalemate is that T.J. Watt wants to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac told host Rich Eisen on Tuesday during “The Rich Eisen Show.”
Patriots a Place For Steelers to ‘Dump’ T.J. Watt’s Salary
Watt has a four-year, $112 million deal with the Steelers right now. Spotrac suggests a market value of $36.6 million annually for Watt’s services. That’s where the Patriots come in with the league’s biggest salary cap space at $61 million left.
“If a team such as the New England Patriots comes into play, a potential Watt trade clearly becomes a salary-dump for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Sobleski wrote.
Sobleski only chose the Patriots among AFC teams as potential destinations. The NFC destinations included the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Commanders — all potential playoff contenders.
“They’re not direct competition for Pittsburgh to make another run at a Super Bowl,” Sobleski wrote. “Make no mistake, these recent moves by the Steelers, including the signing of Aaron Rodgers, is all about getting to another Super Bowl this season.”
“Whereas, the Patriots aren’t a direct threat to Pittsburgh’s primary goal, because New England is in a rebuilding phase and still has the financial flexibility to give Watt what he wants contractually,” Sobleski added. “Yes, the two squads play each other this season, though it’s early enough in the year (Week 3) where a team like New England is still trying to find its new footing under a new coaching staff and with a new-look roster.”
T.J. Watt Would Join an Unrecognizable Patriots Defense
First-year Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has new faces all over the field on both sides of the ball. That includes defense amid the free agent additions of defensive linemen Khyiris Tonga, Milton Williams and K’Lavon Chaisson, linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane, and cornerback Carlton Davis III. Rookies such as safety Craig Woodson and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer could also see the field regularly.
“Watt playing alongside Christian Barmore and free-agent acquisitions Milton Williams and Harold Landry III can get New England back to what once made the team successful in the early 2000s by playing a hard-nosed brand of football,” Sobleski wrote.
That still might not translate to a bunch of wins since the offense has so many new and young players, which includes second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Notable additions include wide receiver Stefon Diggs in free agency and a plethora of draft picks such as offensive tackle Will Campbell.
“Because the Patriots are still in transition, they can send veteran safety Jabrill Peppers back in return,” Sobleski wrote. “They’re unlikely to give up a future first-rounder, though.”
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