After spending his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, linebacker TJ Watt could be on the trade block during the NFL Draft and the Chargers and Eagles could be the top suitors for his services. Coming off the least productive campaign of his career, Watt is believed to receive some interest before the 2026 season as the 31-year-old has been marred with injuries. Even at his age, the linebacker hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down anytime soon. However, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report predicts that even though the thought of moving Watt is “ludicrous” to some fans, it might not be, since the team has Nick Herbig as an in-house replacement.
It’s fair to wonder what the Steelers will do in this situation. The former first-round pick is still in good physical shape and hasn’t been showing any signs of slowing down; he might be better off joining a new team. It will be dependent on what new head coach Mike McCarthy is willing to do this offseason, and also if Aaron Rodgers returns. Either way, in two years, the Steelers are going to be rebuilding a new team under a new quarterback, and it might be better to send Watt, but at a reasonable price.
Chargers, Eagles Named Suitors for Top NFL Trade Candidate TJ Watt
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers have the financial means to compensate Watt’s contract. Unfortunately, the front office staff has been reluctant to give up draft picks for a veteran player. Even though Khalil Mack is back for another season, it’s worth considering Watt for the Chargers. Watt and Mack on one team could finally elevate this defense needed to give QB Justin Herbert more time on the field and make his life easier near the red zone.
For the Eagles, here is where it gets difficult. Philadelphia doesn’t have the money to fund Watt’s current deal unless GM Howie Roseman can figure something out with Pittsburgh. The team could offer AJ Brown and a first-round pick in exchange for Watt to make it easier for the Eagles to acquire Watt. Coming off an offseason where they lost Jaelan Phillips to Carolina, Watt joining Philadelphia would be able to put this team back in the Super Bowl conversation.
Other 2 Possible Fits
Dallas Cowboys
Similar to its secondary unit, the Dallas Cowboys had one of the worst linebacker groups in the league this past season. The team let Kenneth Murray walk to free agency while trading for Rashan Gary. While it’s somewhat a decent replacement, it’s not enough for a team having playoff aspirations. Dallas viewed Maxx Crosby as a legitimate defensive playmaker to upgrade the pass-rush, but nobody should put it past them if they look at Watt with Trey Hendrickson in Baltimore.
Jerry Jones has an extra first-round pick and could use it to acquire Watt to finally address the much-needed hole they’ve struggled to fill.
Chicago Bears
After signing Devin Bush and bringing back Jack Sanborn for depth, the Chicago Bears are actively getting younger at the pass-rushing position. Despite losing Tremaine Edmunds, the team is trying to elevate its defense to ensure it has playmakers. However, the loss of Edmunds means the team should consider adding a veteran to its defense. The thought of Watt joining Ben Johnson’s team would be a much-needed nightmare for Caleb Williams and the offense, giving them more time on the field, especially in the playoffs.
