Patriots Trade Pitch Lands T.J. Watt

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.”