Ranking Top Trade Destinations For Pittsburgh Steelers Star TJ Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an interesting NFL offseason thus far. While they were able to acquire star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, they’re still in limbo waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision. Now, there are trade rumors surrounding superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt.

All of the Watt rumors began when the star took to social media to post a photo with the “peace out” hand signal.

Watt may not even end up being on the trade market, but the rumors and speculation have run rampant. If he is made available, the Steelers’ superstar would bring in a lot of interest from many different teams around the NFL.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport has also reported that contract extension talks between the team and Watt aren’t progressing well at this point in time.

“Rarely is it actually nothing. Generally, when a player makes a cryptic social media post … it’s almost never nothing,” he said. “T.J. Watt is in a contract negotiation situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers. … Generally, when a player makes a social media post that forces us to talk about it on TV like we’re doing right now, it is because contract negotiations are not going as well as anybody had hoped.”

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Should Pittsburgh be open to the idea of trading Watt, which teams could be potential suitors?

4. Atlanta Falcons

One potential option could be the Falcons, who are looking to make a move back into playoff contention. They could use more pass rushing and Watt is one of the best in the NFL.

Atlanta may not be willing to pay the price to get Watt, but they’re a team worth monitoring.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

Earlier in the offseason, the Eagles were viewed as one of the top potential trade destinations for Myles Garrett. While the Cleveland Browns ended up keeping Garrett with a massive contract extension, Philadelphia’s interest is noteworthy.

If Howie Roseman is seriously interested in pulling off a blockbuster trade for a pass rusher, he would likely be in on Watt as well. The Steelers trading Watt to their in-state rival would be surprising, but can’t be written off.

2. Carolina Panthers

A second NFC South team belongs on this list. It has been a long time since the Panthers were a contender, but they’re looking to find their way back to the playoffs.

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Bringing in a talent like Watt would completely change the outlook for Carolina. Its defense would immediately take a big step in the right direction, and Watt’s presence alone would bring a winning mentality for the Panthers. They are always looking to make aggressive moves, and this would be the definition of a win-now move.

1. Green Bay Packers

There is one team that could be a piece like Watt away from winning a Super Bowl. That team is the Packers, who have had a relatively quiet offseason thus far.

Brian Gutekunst said heading into the offseason that it’s time for Green Bay to compete for a championship. He has not made moves to reflect that statement, but with a need for a better pass rush and the desire to win, pursuing Watt would make sense. The Packers are a top contender if Watt is made available.

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