Steelers trade pitch sends $112M pass rusher to Falcons to mentor Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr.

The Steelers made a notable trade earlier this week, acquiring Dolphins stars Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. Along with the deal, Pittsburgh gave both players a raise — a move that reportedly didn’t sit well with star pass rusher T.J. Watt, who’s been waiting on a contract extension of his own.

“Everybody just has assumed that, rightfully, the two sides will figure it out," ESPN’s Adam Schefter said. "But I don’t think they’re very close right now, and I don’t think he’s particularly pleased.”

With contract talks stalling, Watt could soon request a trade — and if he does, a reunion in Green Bay might be in the cards.

“I’m gonna make TJ Watt happy, the player, hey, come home to Wisconsin,” Jeremy Fowler said on Wednesday’s Get Up. “Play for the hometown, home area Packers. The Green Bay Packers are actually low key looking at the pass rush market around free agency, potential trades, potential signings. They have some new cap space after they moved on from Jaire Alexander, the star cornerback. Why not use that money and make TJ Watt the highest paid edge rusher?”

Another team that could emerge as a serious suitor is the Atlanta Falcons. With a young defensive front, bringing in a veteran like Watt would provide both production and leadership.

“The Falcons are a team that could look to build up some assets and trade for Watt, to have a former Defensive Player of the Year, 7x Pro Bowler and 6x All-Pro on their defense. They could also add him, for a veteran presence to mentor Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr,” Athlon Sports’ Hery Acosta wrote.

Head coach Raheem Morris emphasized adding pass rushers by drafting Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., but pairing them with Watt and locking him up long-term would be a major boost. The Falcons have the resources to make it happen — and as long as Watt gets paid, he’s unlikely to object to a change of scenery.