Steelers and Commanders Plot Blockbuster Trade: T.J. Watt for Jayden Daniels in Post-Draft Talks

Pittsburgh, PA – May 3, 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders are engaged in high-stakes discussions, plotting a blockbuster trade that could reshape both franchises, league sources revealed to ESPN Sunday. Fresh off the 2025 NFL Draft, the talks center on a stunning swap, with Pittsburgh eyeing a franchise quarterback and Washington targeting a defensive game-changer.

The proposed deal involves the Steelers sending edge rusher T.J. Watt and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Commanders for quarterback Jayden Daniels and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Daniels, a 24-year-old phenom with 2,913 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024, represents the long-term answer Pittsburgh has sought since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement.

Watt, a six-time All-Pro with 96.5 career sacks, carries a $30.4 million cap hit in his contract’s final year, straining Pittsburgh’s $2 million cap. A cryptic “peace out” Instagram post fueled trade speculation, hinting at his openness to a move as the Steelers navigate financial constraints and a youth-driven rebuild.

Washington’s pass rush, languishing at 22nd in sacks last season, desperately needs Watt’s dominance to elevate their defense. Daniels’ $3.8 million cap hit aligns with Pittsburgh’s budget, especially after cutting Cordarrelle Patterson to free $2.8 million, enabling the Steelers to absorb the quarterback’s rookie deal.

Pittsburgh’s draft selection of edge rusher Jack Sawyer, a fourth-round pick with 9.0 sacks at Ohio State, signals confidence in their pass-rush depth. Sawyer, alongside Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, mitigates Watt’s potential departure, preserving the Steelers’ fifth-ranked sack production from 2024.

The Steelers’ quarterback crisis, worsened by missing Shedeur Sanders and Aaron Rodgers, drives these talks. Daniels’ dual-threat ability, paired with DK Metcalf and Kaleb Johnson, could transform a 19th-ranked offense, positioning Pittsburgh to snap an eight-year playoff win drought with a dynamic leader.

Washington’s willingness to part with Daniels hinges on their pursuit of 2026 draft quarterbacks, with Watt’s arrival offering immediate defensive impact. Pittsburgh’s cap relief and youth infusion fuel the negotiations, though Steeler Nation remains split on X, torn between losing Watt and gaining Daniels’ promise.

These talks, if finalized, could redefine the NFL landscape. Pittsburgh’s gamble on Daniels aims for a Super Bowl breakthrough, while Washington’s bet on Watt seeks defensive dominance. As negotiations intensify, the 2025 season looms as a proving ground for this audacious swap.