Pittsburgh, PA – April 7, 2025. The NFL offseason just erupted with a jaw-dropping rumor: three teams have reportedly lobbed trade offers for Pittsburgh Steelers superstar T.J. Watt, ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed Monday. The five-time All-Pro edge rusher, a titan with 96.5 career sacks, has sparked a bidding war that could flip the league on its head.
Watt, 30, is the Steelers’ defensive soul—2021 Defensive Player of the Year, 7.5 sacks in 2024, and an unmatched force. But with Pittsburgh’s offense retooled via D.K. Metcalf and Dallas Goedert trades, whispers hint GM Omar Khan might cash in to chase a franchise QB.
Washington Commanders
They’ve reportedly offered their No. 8 first-round pick, a 2026 second-rounder, and wide receiver Terry McLaurin, aiming to pair Watt with rookie QB Jayden Daniels and turbocharge a defense hungry for a game-changer.
Arizona Cardinals
They’ve reportedly dangled their No. 16 first-round pick, a 2026 third-rounder, and edge rusher Dennis Gardeck, aiming to pair Watt with Kyler Murray’s offense and jolt a pass rush that limped to just 28 sacks in 2024—second-worst in the league.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
They’ve reportedly offered a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 first-rounder, and veteran linebacker Lavonte David, with only 35 sacks last season (20th in the NFL), Tampa sees Watt as the spark to reignite their NFC South dominance.
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Fan reactions on X are a storm: “Watt to Commanders? Endgame stuff!” (@DCGridiron) clashes with “Trade T.J.? Over my dead body!” (@SteelCityFan). Steelers Nation reels, Khan’s “evaluate everything” quip from March fanning the flames.
Each offer dangles a unique carrot—McLaurin’s offensive pop, Arizona’s draft haul, Tampa’s vet grit—but Watt’s $25 million 2025 cap hit and elite value make any deal a franchise-defining roll of the dice.
As Pittsburgh eyes Rodgers or a draft QB like Jaxson Dart, Watt’s fate teeters on the brink. Three teams have fired their shots—will the Steelers blink, or will this saga redraw the NFL in 2025?
