Amid buzz that player and team are in contract dispute, would the Steelers put T.J. Watt on the trade block — or at least listen to offers? If that happens, Steve Palazzolo of the "Check the Mic" podcast (formerly of Pro Football Focus) believes the Steelers could only get a third-round pick for him in a potential deal.
Now entering his age-31 season, Watt is still an elite player but is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Pittsburgh would never trade him to an AFC team, but the following four NFC squads could forfeit a third-round pick for his services.
T.J. Watt Trade price leaks: Four teams that would be a good fit
Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels and Dan Quinn took a 4-13 Washington Commanders team and brought them to the NFC Championship Game. The future is bright for this organization, but they need a few more star players to take the final step. T.J. Watt would easily be the best pass-rusher on this team and could fix a defense that was nothing special in 2025. The Commanders have the biggest competitive advantage in football: a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract. Now, it’s time to them to maximize this window.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles were reportedly favorites to trade for Myles Garrett before his Cleveland extension, so they should be interested in T.J. Watt. Despite winning the Super Bowl with the game’s most talented roster, general manager Howie Roseman knows there is work to be done here. This team became the league’s elite unit thanks to their ability to win in the trenches, and Watt will only make an already-dangerous defensive line that much more ferocious.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are not contenders in the traditional sense, but they could reach the playoffs with an improved defense. Bryce Young came alive down the stretch last year, but his performance didn’t translate to wins because the defense underperformed. While the team upgraded the secondary and defensive tackle positions in free agency, they still need a game-changing pass-rusher. A T.J. Watt trade could make this one of the game’s better defensive units and help Carolina win a wide-open NFC South.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints didn’t mortgage the future this offseason, but they will still try and compete in 2025. The latest injury update on Derek Carr could significantly alter the team's draft plans, but first-year head coach Kellen Moore will be hoping to make a strong first impression. A T.J. Watt trade could bolster a questionable pass rush. Chase Young is a serviceable starter, but Cameron Jordan is well past his peak. Pairing Watt with Carl Granderson and Young will give New Orleans one of the league’s more dangerous pass rushes.
