Steelers Could Use Recent Trade Blueprint For T.J. Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers could look to get creative once again if they decide to trade outside linebacker T.J. Watt.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have shown no interest in potentially trading All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt as the two sides are reportedly not very close to a deal. However, if they were to change their mind, what would a trade package look like for such a highly-touted player?

ESPN analyst and former NFL cornerback Dominique Foxworth thinks they could look back at a trade they just made not too long ago.

“Maybe they could figure out someone who’s willing to do a trade like the [Minkah] Fitzpatrick and Jalen Ramsey trade,” Foxworth said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “Where you trade two talented players who can still contribute right now.”

The Steelers’ blockbuster trade with the Dolphins last month was unexpected as Pittsburgh sent Fitzpatrick and a fifth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to Miami in exchange for Ramsey, Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith and a seventh-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

It would likely take a trade of similar magnitude to acquire a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year like Watt, which is why Foxworth doesn’t think it will ultimately happen.

“I see it as unlikely. I think T.J. Watt plays for them this year and then makes as good of a run as they possibly can,” Foxworth said. “I can’t imagine that they would trade him for draft picks because, as Bill [Barnwell] said, they’re looking to go all-in this season.”

Watt, 30, is coming off the least-productive full season of his NFL career. But he still proved to be a difference maker while recording 11.5 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles.

That’s why it would likely take Watt making things ugly to force his way out of Pittsburgh.

However, he has shown he is not afraid to do that as he skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp last month. So all eyes will be on Latrobe when the team reports to training camp in less than two weeks.

Watt is currently scheduled to make just $21.05 million in salary in 2025, none of which is guaranteed.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Could Use Recent Trade Blueprint For T.J. Watt