Los Angeles Rams named as surprise potential trade partner for elite former Defensive Player of the Year amid contract battle

Over the past several months, the Pittsburgh Steelers and star pass rusher T.J. Watt have been in a standoff over contract disputes. Watt wants a new extension as he enters the final year of his deal, and the Steelers are hesitant to commit to a mega extension for a 31-year-old defender who has suffered multiple injuries in recent seasons.

In the meantime, the Steelers have made trades for Jalen Ramsey, who is the highest-paid cornerback in the league, as well as trading for and extending wide receiver DK Metcalf. These moves have reportedly upset Watt and fueled speculation about a potential breakup on the way between the two sides. 

This speculation has opened the gates for potential trade options for Watt, and one article named the Los Angeles Rams as a top destination for him. Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski named the Rams as an option to trade for Watt. 

However, the offer was a completely surprising one. 

"Currently, the Rams have the luxury of owning two first-round selections thanks to the Atlanta Falcons, who traded back into the opening frame of this year's draft to select Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. The Rams can use their own first-round selection, which is expected to be the lower of the two, and use it as part of the package to acquire Watt....Along with a future first-round pick, the Rams can send Byron Young back in return. He has two years left on his rookie deal. It helps offset the Steelers' loss for a player who would have become a rotational piece in Los Angeles and likely not re-sign. Meanwhile, Verse and Fiske still have three more seasons operating under their rookie contracts."

Sobleski suggested the Rams trade a first-round pick AND outside linebacker Byron Young for Watt straight up. 

That feels like an overpay and a half for Watt at this stage of his career. A few years ago, it would have been an incredible deal to pair Watt with Aaron Donald while both were at the peak of their careers. However, time and injuries have taken a toll on Watt, and while he's still productive, that is a steep price to pay for what he currently is.

On top of that, they'd have to turn around and pay Watt, which they might not want to do with potential upcoming extensions in the works for players like Cobie Durant, Kyren Williams, Steve Avila, Puka Nacua, and Kobie Turner. 

However, there is an appeal to thinking about Watt opposite of Jared Verse alongside Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske. That type of move would certainly help the Rams' chances to win what will be a dogfight for the top seed in the NFC.