3 Realistic Landing Spots for TJ Watt if Steelers Decide to Trade Him

The Pittsburgh Steelers want to keep TJ Watt in the team but he is not wavering from his demand of $40 million/year extension and if it doesn't materialize then teams will approach them for a trade.

3 Realistic Landing Spots for TJ Watt if Steelers Decide to Trade Him

TJ Watt (Image via IMAGO)

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A little over 10 days are left before the Pittsburgh Steelers head for training camp, and yet, TJ Watt remains without a new contract. As things stand, the Steelers are slowly leaning toward trading the 30-year-old.

There hasn’t been any particular news about a trade because the Steelers don’t intend to part ways with one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. However, there’s a slight play on words that Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio was able to identify.

Florio pointed out that ‘don’t intend to’ doesn’t mean the Steelers are interested. In fact, Mark Kaboly, the Steelers correspondent for the Pat McAfee Show, hinted that Omar Khan is unofficially surveying the market to understand Watt’s value, according to his report:

It’s ‘due diligence.’ It’s important to know all options before making a decision. And that makes sense. The recent report from NFL Media last month wasn’t ‘There’s no way they’ll ever trade him.’ It was that they have ‘no intention’ to trade him.

Watt began holding out right before the OTAs began. Around the same time, the Browns paid Myles Garrett. Watt is looking at a similar deal, but the Steelers are waiting to see the details of Trey Hendrickson’s contract at Cincinnati and Micah Parsons‘ at Dallas. Analysts such as Kaboly and Gerry Dulac believe Watt’s ceiling is similar to those two rather than Garrett’s $40 million per year extension.

Kaboly on 93.7 The Fan discussed what the Steelers could get in exchange for Watt. Based on his knowledge, the Steelers have a chance to acquire a second-round pick if Khan gets lucky.

Replacing Watt should not pose much of a challenge. Despite his massive reputation, Watt only recorded 11.5 sacks. Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and rookie Jack Sawyer, in theory, seem capable enough to fill the gap.

NFL teams that can approach the Steelers for a Trade

It’s unlikely that the Steelers trade Watt to another team, but if he does become available, teams that are looking to take the next step for a Super Bowl run might take a chance with the former Defensive Player of the Year.

3 Realistic Landing Spots for TJ Watt if Steelers Decide to Trade Him
TJ Watt (Image via IMAGO)

Buffalo Bills

The Bills are a team that stands the chance of becoming a super team with Watt on their team. With Von Miller a free agent and new signing Joey Bosa on IR, the 4x All-Pro LB might be the guy they need.

Buffalo would be buzzing with a signing like Watt. Their defense is already one of the best in the AFC, and pairing Watt with Greg Rousseau could give them the edge to finally take down the Kansas City Chiefs, who won 32-39 in the AFC title game last season.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers lost a big piece in All-Pro Joey Bosa to the Bills, so there’s a big hole at the base of their defense, and Watt can fit right in. Ex-DPOY Khalil Mack extended his contract for one more year. They also have a solid young core of players: Daiyan Henley, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Junior Colson.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh usually elevates his team in the second year of his reign. He added Pro Bowl running back Najee Harris, brought back Mike Williams, and if Watt signs, then the AFC will be on high alert.

3 Realistic Landing Spots for TJ Watt if Steelers Decide to Trade Him
TJ Watt (Image via IMAGO)

Washington Commanders

Dan Quinn nearly led the Commanders to the promised land in his first season with a rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. The Heisman Trophy winner had the best rookie season ever by a football player. However, the defense let the team from the capital down.

Even with All-Pro LB Frankie Luvu still on the team, the Commanders’ D-line lacks the depth of the Lions or the Eagles. This is where Watt comes in to make Quinn free of the headache and focus on leading the team to its first Super Bowl appearance since 1991.

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