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T.J. Watt Trade Rumors: Steelers Could Get Third-Round Pick
Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt could be on the trade block, but one analyst believes the team won’t get a large return for him. Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show noted that fans should “keep an eye” on Watt’s contract situation, as his asking price is “a tad higher” than some anticipated.
While the Steelers and Watt are currently negotiating a new contract, Kaboly believes the two sides will eventually agree to a deal. However, there is a chance the Steelers could put Watt on the trade block or listen to offers. Steve Palazzolo of the Check the Mic podcast believes the Steelers could get a third-round pick for Watt in a potential deal.
*Four NFC Teams Could Be Interested*
Palazzolo identified four NFC teams that could be interested in acquiring Watt: the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans Saints. These teams could potentially forfeit a third-round pick for Watt’s services.
The Washington Commanders, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn, have shown significant improvement and could benefit from Watt’s elite pass-rushing abilities. The Philadelphia Eagles, who were reportedly favorites to trade for Myles Garrett before his Cleveland extension, could also be interested in Watt to bolster their defensive line.
The Carolina Panthers, who upgraded their secondary and defensive tackle positions in free agency, still need a game-changing pass rusher. A T.J. Watt trade could make their defense one of the game’s better units and help them win a wide-open NFC South. The New Orleans Saints, with quarterback Derek Carr set to return and first-year head coach Kellen Moore hoping to make a strong first impression, could also benefit from Watt’s pass-rushing abilities.
*Watt’s Age and Trade Value*
As Watt enters his age-31 season, he is still an elite player but closer to the end of his career than the beginning. This could impact his trade value, with Palazzolo believing the Steelers could get a third-round pick for him.
The Steelers would likely prioritize trading Watt to an NFC team, given the competitive nature of the AFC North. The potential suitors identified by Palazzolo are all NFC teams, which could make for an interesting trade scenario.
Conclusion
The T.J. Watt trade rumors have sparked interest among NFL fans, with several NFC teams potentially interested in acquiring the star pass rusher. While the Steelers and Watt are negotiating a new contract, the possibility of a trade remains. As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the Steelers will need to make strategic decisions to ensure their success.
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