Steelers’ Stunning Trade Proposal Could Ship T.J. Watt to NFC Contender: Which Team Will Land the Defensive Game-Changer?

There’s plenty of drama brewing around the NFL after minicamp, with multiple players skipping. One of them, in particular, is a player who could help the Washington Commanders: Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt. 

The Steelers edge is among the top players in the NFL, and when he’s at his best, there’s a strong argument to be made that he’s the best player in the world. However, as Watt searches for a new contract, he hasn’t shown up, and it’s tough to blame him. 

Could Washington Commanders Pull Off T.J. Watt Move?

After the Washington Commanders impressed a season ago, making the postseason in the first year with Jayden Daniels under center, there’s no telling what the ceiling might be for this organization. The Commanders have gone through plenty in the past few decades, but things seem to be turning for them. If they can continue this hot stretch, the Commanders should have one of the brighter futures in the NFL. 

Adding a player of Watt’s caliber would only make sense, and there’s reason to believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers could have to eventually trade him if they don’t give him the money he’s looking for. 

In a recent trade idea from Last Word on Sports, that’s exactly what would happen. Last Word on Sports spoke about how the Commanders lost a few players during the offseason, and Watt would perfectly replace them. 

“The offense was explosive with the undertaking of quarterback Jayden Daniels, and now with a new blueprint, they will be even more on fire as long as they can sign Terry McLaurin to a new contract. 

“Whatever happens there, the defense was nothing special last year. Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner had their moments, but since they lost Dante Fowler Jr., they will have to find a somewhat close replacement to him, since he led the team in sacks. Watt is the perfect match for this defense and could turn this organization into a well-rounded team,” they wrote.

Would Steelers Listen to T.J. Watt Offers?

Despite the Washington Commanders’ potential interest in landing Watt, if he becomes available, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the final say on any trade. 

It might sound wild, but there’s even a scenario where the Steelers could look to make him sit, and not trade them. It’d be surprising, but things happen. 

However, according to a recent report from Mike Garafolo, the Steelers are pleased with the progress of their contract talks with Watt. 

That could be bad news for the Commanders, but until the deal is done, nothing should be counted out.

“I don’t feel that this one is contentious,” Garafolo said. “If a player misses mandatory minicamp over the next couple days, you don’t have to fine a player. We’ll see what the Steelers wind up doing on this one. 

“I know that they feel really good about the talks that they’ve had and the offers that they’ve made… Mike Tomlin has the belief that T.J. Watt is gonna be just fine working away from the facility, so they’re not stressing about that part of it. If there was a pressure point right now, and the start of training camp seems like it’s a pressure point, I feel like this thing would get done. And it will get done at some point.”