As it so often does, one social media post has sent the NFL into a frenzy. Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt recently posted a photo on his Instagram account, giving a "peace" sign with no caption. Perhaps it meant nothing, or maybe Watt was sending a message to the only team he's ever played for.
You see, Watt is entering the final year of a four-year, $112 million contract. A four-time first-team All-Pro, two-time second-team All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler and former NFL defensive player of the year, Watt will turn 31 in October. Watt has 108 career sacks and is coming off an 11.5-sack season.
No doubt, Watt saw the contracts the Cleveland Browns gave Myles Garrett and the Las Vegas Raiders gave Maxx Crosby and thought, "I deserve that, too."
You can argue which player is better, Watt, Crosby or Garrett, but the trio has been arguably the top three defensive players in the NFL over the last few years, not named Aaron Donald. Watt is due to count $30 million against the salary cap next season. Crosby signed a three-year extension with an average annual value of over $35 million, while Garrett's AAV is $40 million per year.
So, if Watt was sending a message to the Steelers, it makes sense. Would Pittsburgh entertain offers for Watt? It's doubtful. Watt is a Steeler through and through, on and off the field. However, the Steelers, who are stuck in that 8-10 win purgatory because they lack a quarterback, trading Watt now, while he still has maximum value, would be a wise move. Pittsburgh would still be competitive without Watt and add picks to perhaps make a move up the draft board, whether it's with selections this year or in 2026.
That leads us to the following question: Which teams should be interested in Watt?
The Washington Commanders have been linked to every veteran this offseason. Washington has made trades for former Pro Bowlers (LT) Laremy Tunsil and (WR) Deebo Samuel. This came after the Commanders traded for cornerback Marshon Lattimore at the 2024 trade deadline.
Washington desperately needs an impact edge rusher. That's Watt. The Commanders were heavily linked to Garrett before the Browns awarded him a contract extension. Washington has also been linked to Cincinnati edge Trey Hendrickson, the NFL's sack leader over the last two years. If the Commanders were interested in Garrett and Hendrickson, it makes sense they'd call the Steelers about Watt.
Should Washington call Pittsburgh? Yes, general manager Adam Peters should call the Steelers to inquire about the price. Pittsburgh would likely tell him that Watt's not available.
Let's say the Steelers made Watt available. What should Washington do? This is a tough spot. With the 2025 NFL draft next week, the Commanders only have five picks. If the two sides agreed to a trade, Pittsburgh would want picks this year and next. For as great as Watt is, would you say he's worth it?
Watt is worth it, but remember, Washington would still need to pay Watt a contract of around $40 million per year. When considering the cost to acquire and the money, while also factoring in Watt's age, it would not be a wise move by the Commanders. Watt would provide the impact Washington desires, but the previous regime's ineptitude has already depleted draft capital, and the team cannot afford to trade multiple selections for Watt.
So, yes, Washington should be interested if Watt were to become available, but Peters would not like the cost. Also, no one really thinks the Steelers will trade Watt. The most likely outcome here is that Pittsburgh signs Watt to a deal somewhere in between Crosby's and Garrett's, and he finishes his career with the Steelers.
