Steelers may cut ties with T.J. Watt in blockbuster trade to Super Bowl contender

T.J. Watt is the face of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But that face is about to cost something in the neighborhood of $160 million. Maybe that's the price of a trade.

Pittsburgh could opt to trade Watt instead of extend him," write Pro Football Network's Sterling Xie.

“Is there really any chance the Steelers will move on from a franchise icon and still-elite player?" Xie wonders. “... It’s a virtual lock Watt won’t actually reach free agency, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be back with the Steelers.”

Xie's suggested destination: the Detroit Lions.

The Lions could pair Watt with Aidan Hutchinson in a dominant pass rush tandem.

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In 2024, Watt had 11.5 sacks and forced six fumbles. He's had at least 11.5 sacks in all six of his healthy seasons.

“If the Steelers do pull the plug on one of the best players in franchise history, all 31 teams should call given his durability and still-high level of performance. The Bills, Lions, and Commanders are among the Super Bowl contenders with the clearest holes at edge rusher who could benefit most from Watt,” Xie writes.

Xie points out that dealing for Watt would probably cost "multiple first-round picks." If Pittsburgh was going to do it, a big haul like that in return would help the Steelers re-tool with younger, cheaper talent.

The Steelers' current contention timeline is unclear. If for some reason an Aaron Rodgers deal falls through and it's a start-over plan at QB, maybe it'd be time to start over at edge rusher, too.

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