Ex-NFL quarterback gets torched by fans for outrageous TJ Watt trade proposal involving Dak Prescott – “What CTE does to a mf”

Kurt Benkert's latest trade proposal about trading TJ Watt and a pick to Cowboys in exchange for Dak Prescott angered both Steelers and Cowboys fans.

Ex-NFL quarterback gets torched by fans for outrageous TJ Watt trade proposal involving Dak Prescott – “What CTE does to a mf”

Dak Prescott and TJ Watt (Image via IMAGO)

There are always a few outrageous trade proposals that fly around social media this time of the year, and Kurt Benkert’s latest suggestion might just take the cake for the most absurd one.

In light of TJ Watt’s stalled contract extension talks, the former NFL quarterback stated that the Pittsburgh Steelers should trade their star pass rusher to the Dallas Cowboys and acquire Dak Prescott—throw in the #12 pick (202 draft) for good measure.

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On the surface level, the trade proposal from Benkert makes sense. By exchanging Watt for Prescott, the Steelers can solve two problems with one move. Omar Khan and the Steelers owners don’t have to pay Watt ludicrous amounts of money, and they secure a league-veteran quarterback, ending their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers.

However, it’s not exactly as straightforward as it might sound. Both sides will face several challenges to make Benkert’s suggestion of trading TJ Watt and the 21st pick for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ 12th pick.

Fans call out Ken Benkert’s proposal of trading TJ Watt for Dak Prescott

The Steelers gave Watt a four-year extension worth over $112 million with $80 million guaranteed back in 2021, making him the highest-paid defensive player then. Watt’s contract will run out after this year, and he wants an extension now.

Ex-NFL quarterback gets torched by fans for outrageous TJ Watt trade proposal involving Dak Prescott "What CTE does to a mf"
TJ Watt (Image via IMAGO)

The 30-year-old elevated Steelers fans’ heart rates through his recent social media post. He shared his photo, which is nothing out of the ordinary until one focuses on the raised two fingers. It can be interpreted either as the universal ‘peace’ sign or the more colloquial ‘peace out’ gesture.

If it’s the last one, then the Steelers may be in trouble because it means the star DE linebacker might be done with the AFC North side.

According to Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan, Watt wants to be paid like Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett, who is currently the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history after signing a five-year $200 million extension ($40 million per year). However, the Steelers aren’t ready to pay him that much.

Apparently, there was a media report out there in the last two weeks that the Steelers want T.J. Watt to sign a contract extension, but they don’t want to pay Miles Garrett money.

Andrew Fillipponi said

The latest development has created tension between Watt and the Steelers. Benkert assessed the situation and suggested trading Watt to the Cowboys.

TJ Watt for Dak Prescott & a first-round pick swap — who says no? Steelers get a QB and avoid the contract + get pick #12 Cowboys get Pick #21 + Watt & get to be see what Milton can do. They’d have the best D line in the NFL and would give them an actual chance in the NFC East.

Kurt Benkert tweeted

This made a section of the fans angry because, to them, trading a star player for an aging quarterback like Prescott, who just recovered from an injury, has zero upside for the Steelers and the Cowboys.

Why TJ Watt trade isn’t the solution for the Cowboys?

The biggest obstacle the Cowboys have to overcome is convincing Prescott to waive his no-trade clause from his $60 million per year deal that he signed in 2024. Moreover, the Steelers have to take on the Pro Bowler’s monumental salary burden. If they are already having a hard time paying Watt, then paying nearly 20% more to another player doesn’t sound like a viable trade result.

The Cowboys will suffer a big blow too. First of all, they not only lose a settled quarterback, but on top of it, he has a dead cap hit of $180.5 million, as per Spotrac.

Replacing DeMarcus Lawrence with Watt will undeniably improve the Cowboys’ defense, but Benkert forgot that Jerry Jones still hasn’t paid Micah Parsons. It’s better to pay Parsons and keep Prescott than trade for Watt.  

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