Due to a social media post, NFL star pass rusher and future Hall of Famer TJ Watt may request a trade this offseason. According to reports, it doesn’t look good for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are looking to keep Watt, but he may request a trade if he doesn’t get the contract that he desires. In an Instagram story post, the pass rusher posted himself in a Steelers jersey with a peace sign, which could lead many to speculate that he’s willing to leave elsewhere if it means for a better deal. Watt is entering the final year of his contract extension back in 2021, so it’s no wonder he’s the latest defensive piece to tease his potential departure as Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals was another pass rusher who could leave as well.
It’s already been a rough offseason for the Steelers, as they’ve yet to find their next signal-caller. Veteran Aaron Rodgers has been teasing that he could sign with Pittsburgh, but he’s leaning towards the Minnesota Vikings. Even if they sign Rodgers, the fans would probably erupt if that happens, and trade Watt in one offseason. However, Steelers general manager Omar Khan is holding his breath that Watt retires with them.
Despite that, it doesn’t look like that will be the case. After posting over 30 sacks in the past two seasons, the pass rusher should receive a lot of trade interest from these five teams in the following weeks.
Breaking: NFL Star Pass-Rusher TJ Watt Could Request Trade Amid Contract Talks
Next Possible Teams
Carolina Panthers
After rebuilding its offense for quarterback Bryce Young, the team is finally making moves to improve the defense. Tershawn Wharton provides a lot of upside for Derrick Brown’s return, but trading for Watt could ferociously change the landscape in Carolina. The Panthers need a capable edge rusher, as Jadeveon Clowney is the only reliability. TJ Watt is a significant upgrade over Josey Jewell and Christian Rozeboom.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints have found a way to keep most of their talent, like Chase Young, but they lost a critical piece in Willie Gay. While they still have DeMario Davis, his days could be numbered as he’s on the verge of retirement. If general manager Mickey Loomis can figure out more ways to pinch pennies, they should trade for Watt as a massive upgrade over Carl Granderson.
Kansas City Chiefs
The same can be said about the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Steelers won’t trade him here. However, anything is possible since, sooner or later, the Steelers will begin to rebuild under a new quarterback in the next few years. If this trade happens, it would be for draft picks. Watt landing with the Chiefs would be a nightmare for opposing offenses teaming up with Chris Jones in the trenches.
Los Angeles Chargers
Speaking of that, Jim Harbaugh loves playing a physical defense in those trenches and would welcome conversations about a Watt trade. After releasing Joey Bosa, the team has yet to find a replacement that will match Khalil Mack’s energy. The Chargers have enough cap space to facilitate this trade, and it would be an enormous help for Harbaugh, who wants to win football games with a “defense wins championships” mindset.
Dallas Cowboys
For the Cowboys, it doesn’t look like a Micah Parsons contract extension will be coming anytime soon, as he won’t get a deal done without his agent. Perhaps the Cowboys may trade swap with the Steelers, and it might create a shockwave across the league. Anything is possible as this storyline will continue to develop.
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