Steelers Predicted To Send All-Pro EDGE T.J. Watt to NFC Powerhouse in Game-Changing Deal

There’s a chance that All-Pro EDGE T.J. Watt is headed toward a parting of ways with the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Watt making cryptic social media posts and rumors of his asking price being $40 million per year, it seems more and more likely that Watt could be available on the trade market.

Watt is the cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense, and without him rushing the quarterback, it’s possible head coach Mike Tomlin finally has a losing season. However, it may be in the organization’s best interest to cut ties with the four-time All-Pro.

If Watt does become available, a handful of Super Bowl contenders will emerge to make a serious run at the star, including one NFC powerhouse that failed to meet expectations last season.

Pittsburgh Steelers Predicted To Send T.J. Watt to Detroit Lions

There’s no championship-contending team in the NFL more in need of defensive line depth than the Detroit Lions. The Lions lost in last year’s NFC Divisional Round to the Washington Commanders largely due to all of their injuries on defense, including to superstar pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson.

By trading for Watt, the Lions not only form the league’s most dominant pass-rushing tandem but also add security in case of another season of injuries. PFSN’s Sterling Xie predicts the Steelers could send Watt to Detroit this summer.

“Is there really any chance the Steelers will move on from a franchise icon and still-elite player? T.J. Watt was the top-ranked player in PFSN’s 2026 Early Free Agent Rankings,” Xie wrote. “It’s a virtual lock Watt won’t actually reach free agency, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be back with the Steelers.”

Watt is fresh off an 11.5-sack, six-forced-fumble campaign, proving he still has plenty to contribute to a team like the Lions. Star EDGE Za’Darius Smith also plays a major role in whether or not the Lions pursue Watt.

Detroit released him earlier this offseason to save money, but it doesn’t put a return out of the equation. Watt could be off the table if there is mutual interest in re-signing the Pro Bowler. However, if Watt is made available, the Lions’ front office could ignore the chance to re-sign Smith in favor of pursuing a blockbuster move for the Steelers’ pass rusher.

The Steelers’ defense slotted at No. 12 in PFSN’s Defense+ metric in 2024, while the Lions came in at No. 5. So, although Watt can clearly contribute more to the former’s unit, it’s time for Pittsburgh to focus on the long term.

“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 said.

“But in reality, the Steelers would be looking for (and should probably receive) multiple first-round picks for any blockbuster Watt deal,” Xie concluded.

Hutchinson and Watt would cause nightmares for any opposing QB and potentially push the Lions over the hump when the lights shine brightest.

As Xie mentioned, Watt is currently the top-ranked free agent in PFSN’s 2026 Free Agent Rankings — ahead of Dallas Cowboys superstar Micah Parsons.

Here is what our Stats and Insights department wrote about Watt’s impending free agency: “One of the most durable and consistent stars in the NFL, T.J. Watt, has started all 17 games in each of the last two seasons after a torn pectoral cut short his 2022 campaign.

“He’s made seven straight Pro Bowls and earned First- or Second-Team All-Pro honors five times. Watt has recorded at least 11.5 sacks in all six of his healthy seasons. He’ll turn 31 in October, which complicates the length of a potential extension, but the Steelers are expected to make him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks when they get a deal done.”

It remains to be seen if Watt and the Steelers can salvage the relationship and agree to a deal. If they can’t, Pittsburgh will have no shortage of trade partners interested in the 30-year-old’s services.