Inside The Star
I’ve been a Cowboys fan long enough to know some draft mistakes never disappear. For me, passing on T.J. Watt in 2017 is right at the top of that list.
Now, years later, the NFL might be giving Dallas a second chance nobody expected.
We have all seen the headlines about Mike Tomlin stepping down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 years. Could this lead to a rebuild for the Steelers?
Conversations are starting that would’ve felt unthinkable just a year ago.
When teams truly reset, even franchise icons can become part of the discussion.
This feels like it could lead to a reset, which may benefit the Cowboys.
Let’s be honest, Watt isn’t just another good pass rusher. He’s a Defensive Player of the Year, sack leader, and turnover creator.
Watt is the type of defender offenses have to scheme around every single game, and yes, he is the same player the Cowboys passed on for Taco Charlton.
We know how that turned out and the miss still stings.
T.J. Watt’s contract is an albatross type of contract. The 2026 number could make the trade conversation a serious thought for the Steelers.
Watt is under contract through the 2028 season after signing a three-year, $123 million extension.
Beginning in 2026, his cap hit escalates drastically to the $40+ million range annually, locking Pittsburgh into a massive long-term financial commitment during what could be a full organizational rebuild.
I could see the Steelers prioritizing flexibility, draft capital, and a younger core. Moving on from future money could be appealing to a new coach.
Even it means parting with a franchise superstar.
I’ve covered how the Cowboys can free up $100+ million in cap space and this move would require that creativity and commitment, but elite pass rushers rarely become available without some type of serious investment.
If there is one thing we know about Jerry Jones, he knows the value of star power and how it can tilt a season.
Championship windows don’t stay open forever, and Jerry himself has talked about his age and the desire for another championship.
Opportunities to add a proven closer like Watt don’t come around often.
I’m not pretending this would be a cheap move.
Pittsburgh would demand major draft capital, likely starting with a first-round pick. One thing we need to remember is that draft picks don’t rush quarterbacks, T.J. Watt does.
Let’s all take a moment, and imaging Watt closing games in Dallas.
Seeing him wrecking playoff protections and doing what he has always done, only this time with a star on his helmet....
