TJ Watt to the Eagles? A game-changing trade in the works

TJ Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers' pass rusher, is unhappy with the money he has been given as an extension.

TJ Watt to the Eagles? A game-changing trade in the works

TJ Watt (Image via IMAGO)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying their best to re-sign star pass rusher TJ Watt. Reports don’t sound so promising.

Watt is among the top rushers in the NFL and wants a similar type of money. He shared a cryptic tweet last week, hinting at his intentions.

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The Steelers want to keep Watt but aren’t ready to pay him wages similar to those of Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett. In a recent article, Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly mentioned that something major might happen regarding Watt in the upcoming days.

I’d keep an eye on this Steelers T.J. Watt contract situation moving forward a little more closely. It doesn’t appear that the [Instagram] picture [below] he posted [yesterday] was just by chance. I’d imagine an extension is still going to eventually get done, but the price tag just might be a tad bit higher than some anticipated.

Mark Kaboly wrote

If the Steelers fail to secure a deal for Watt, then teams will contact the general manager, Omar Khan, for permission to speak with the 30-year-old.

The Philadelphia Eagles is a team to keep an eye on. They wanted to sign Garrett before his $40 million per year deal with the Browns became active. Watt is now the next best option for the NFC East team.

The Sporting News Jarrett Bailey wants the Steelers to trade TJ Watt instead of paying him.

The Steelers are 100% gonna pay Watt. Do I think they should? No. Trade him while he still has value and get some picks in return is my mentality. Love T.J. & what he’s meant to the team but they aren’t winning games of importance so may as well get something for him.

Jarrett Bailey wrote on X

Exploring a trade scenario for the Eagles to trade for TJ Watt

Watt is seeking north of $35 million. If the Eagles initiate a trade, then they better be prepared to lose a few good picks. Watt boasts a trade value of $9.12 million in the open market. His value is likely to remain the same during the draft in Green Bay.

TJ Watt to the Eagles A Game-Changing Trade in the Works
TJ Watt (Image via IMAGO)

The Eagles better be ready to lose a few picks for the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year recipient. General manager Howie Roseman can start by sending their 32nd overall pick in 2025 and a late-round pick (or send Bryce Huff to the Steelers), along with the 2026 third-round pick.

The Eagles need a pass rusher in the middle of their defense. Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham left big holes in the Eagles pass-rushing department. Sweat entered free agency while Graham hung up his boots.

Watt could prove to be an ideal replacement for the Eagles. Not to mention, he will be surrounded by Super Bowl-winning players such as Jalen Carter and Zack Baun. The Eagles should take a chance.

What will the Eagles get by trading for TJ Watt?

Watt has been among the premier pass rushers in the league since the Steelers drafted him in 2017. Since then, he has played a total of 121 games, recording 462 combined tackles (331 solo and 131 assisted), 108.0 sacks, 126 tackles for loss, 225 quarterback hits, 7 interceptions, 49 pass deflections, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble returns, and one touchdown. In 2021, Watt tallied 22.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and 39 quarterback hits (his best-ever numbers).

The Eagles have an exceptional secondary. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean announced their arrival in style during their rookie seasons. Mitchell logged 46 combined tackles and 12 pass deflections, while DeJean tallied 51 combined tackles, 6 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 3 forced recoveries.

According to the latest numbers, the Eagles lead the race with +500 odds to acquire TJ Watt from the Steelers, followed by the New England Patriots with +300 and the Seattle Seahawks with +400.

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