The Pittsburgh Steelers have built a solid reputation in the NFL for being consistent and steady. They are known for staying the course and displaying loyalty. Despite being in a bit of a slump since the retirement of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, they are never reactionary or impulsive.
That’s why the moves they have made this offseason have stunned many fans. They made deals to secure some big names like DK Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers, Darius Slay, and Kenneth Gainwell. However, their latest bold move has many wondering if there might be something even more shocking on the horizon: a trade of All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt.
Could Steelers’ T.J. Watt Be the Missing Piece for an NFC Contender?
The news that the Steelers made a massive three-player trade on Monday with the Miami Dolphins was an indicator of just how serious the team is about trying to get back to winning Super Bowls. That trade sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami in exchange for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, along with a late-round pick swap.
Now there are rumblings among the media that a trade as shocking as the one of Fitzpatrick could indicate the team might consider parting ways with Watt, who is one of their most beloved players.
On a recent episode of “Get Up” on ESPN, analyst Dan Graziano said that the Steelers have shown no willingness to work out a deal for Watt despite their contract negotiations. However, he asked former NFL player and co-host Damien Woody who should call Pittsburgh if they change their mind.
“How about the Washington Commanders?” suggested Woody. “The Commanders are ahead of schedule. We saw the year they had last year. Obviously they got a superstar in quarterback in Jaylen Daniels.”
Woody added that they also showed they are willing to make moves for the players they need to take a step forward in 2025. He noted how they added Deebo Samuel to give Daniels another weapon and Laremy Tunsil to give him more protection.
“I think the one thing, when you look at the Washington Commanders on the defensive side, is lack of pass rush. Well, guess who can solve that? A guy like T.J. Watt. And your superstar quarterback is on a rookie deal. That would be, to me, the most enticing reason to go out there and be aggressive and be bold,” concluded Woody.
SHOULD THE WASHINGTON #COMMANDERS TRADE FOR ALL-PRO PASS RUSHER TJ WATT…?
Watt is in the final year of the deal, a former Defensive Player of The Year, 6x All-Pro and 7x Pro Bowler — he could make Washington a Super Bowl contender.
First look at Watt in Washington: pic.twitter.com/gBXTBRDsNV
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 30, 2025
Daniels is entering his sophmore season and if he continues on his current trajectory he is set to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The most elite signal callers are earning roughly $40 million to $ 60 million a year. There is no telling how high contract values will climb by the time Daniels’ rookie contract expires.
Watt skipped out on mandatory minicamp as he and the Steelers continue to negotiate his extension. He is entering the final year of a four-year, $112 million contract and is due a base salary of $21.05 million for the 2025 season. Unfortunately for the Steelers, Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby have once again reset the market for edge rushers, and Watt is reportedly expecting $35-40 million.
His value to the team cannot be understated. A six-time All-Pro and a seven-time Pro Bowler, Watt is a leader both on the field and in the locker room. He has 108 career sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 49 passes defended, and was the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year. Watt is an absolute wrecking ball of destruction on the field.