The Pittsburgh Steelers have been linked to a blockbuster trade that would alter the NFL landscape.
The Pittsburgh Steelers clearly need to make some improvements this offseason after failing in the playoffs yet again over the winter.
But could the Steelers shock everyone by trading one of their best players?
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport thinks it's a possibility, proposing that Pittsburgh trades edge rusher T.J. Watt and a 2027 third-round draft pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2027 first-rounder.
"There was a time when the idea of trading edge-rusher T.J. Watt would seem like blasphemy in the Steel City," Davenport wrote. "But Watt is coming off an injury-marred season in which he logged the second-fewest sacks of his career, he turns 32 in October and fellow edge-rusher Nick Herbig is entering a contract year."
Watt signed a three-year, $123 million contract extension with Pittsburgh last summer and managed 55 tackles, seven sacks and a couple of interceptions in 14 games.
Those are generally solid numbers for an edge rusher, but the Steelers are used to a whole lot more from Watt. However, with the 49ers in dire need of a pass rusher, they may be desperate enough to move a Day 1 pick for Watt.
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt. Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images.And for those wondering why Pittsburgh wouldn't just ask for San Francisco's No. 27 pick this year, it has to do with the salary cap.
"The key to this deal could be patience — if the Steelers wait until after June 1 to trade Watt, the amount of money the team saves under the cap in 2026 balloons from $12 million to $32 million," Davenport added. "The question is whether that extra $20 million in wiggle room would be worth waiting until next year to receive pick compensation."
Pittsburgh actually owns a decent chunk of cap room heading into the offseason, possessing $40 million in available money. And would it really be worth it for the Steelers to save an extra $20 million after free agency?
If Pittsburgh really wants to move Watt, perhaps it would be best to trade him for draft capital this year so that the Steelers can add a much-needed first-round draft choice to their 2026 roster.
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