Big Aaron Rodgers Announcement Crushes Patriots’ Dreams

Watt will be entering the final season of his four-year, $112 million contract with the Steelers, and remains in a standoff with the team over a potential new deal. Without one, he becomes a free agent after the 2025 season — which makes his asking price in a trade probably more reasonable than it otherwise would be, if he were not on an expiring deal.

Watt has led the NFL in sacks three times in his eight-year career. Last season was a "down" year for the 30-year-old linebacker, and he still piled up 11 1/2 sacks. Acquiring him could solve New England's pass rush problem overnight.

But speaking on ESPN's Pat McCaffee Show on Tuesday, new Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers made an announcement that in all likelihood crushes the Patriots' dreams of trading for Watt.

"I'm pretty sure this is it. That's why we just did a one-year deal," the 20-year veteran and future Hall of Famer told McCaffee, confirming that he plans to retire after the 2025 campaign. "Steelers didn't need to put any extra years on that or anything. This was really about finishing with a lot of love and fun and peace for the career that I've had."

How does that affect the Patriots? According to McElroy, with Rodgers in his final season, the Steelers seem unlikely to part with Watt.

"Perhaps the Steelers are putting all of their chips on the table with the Rodgers signing and going all in for a final Super Bowl run," the Patriotswire scribe wrote on Wednesday. "If that's the case, they likely wouldn't be in the market for moving on from one of the best defensive players in the league."

With nearly $61 million in remaining cap space, Watt would not cause any financial issues for the Patriots. But Rodgers' retirement announcement appears to make it a moot point anyway.