NFL insider makes case for Green Bay Packers to trade for TJ Watt

With TJ Watt still not locked into a long term contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested a trade to the Green Bay Packers. Recently, Fowler reported there is optimism that the Steelers will reach a long term agreement with their star pass rusher.

However, the trade rumors are still out there. A coming home party for Watt would make sense from a location standpoint, if the Packers wanted to make a big swing.

The Packers already moved on from Jaire Alexander, saving them some money on defense. There is now an opportunity to make a splash with Watt, should they be interested.

“I’m gonna make TJ Watt happy, the player, hey, come home to Wisconsin,” Fowler said on Wednesday’s Get Up. “Play for the hometown, home area Packers. The Green Bay Packers are actually low key looking at the pass rush market around free agency, potential trades, potential signings. They have some new cap space after they moved on from Jaire Alexander, the star cornerback. Why not use that money and make TJ Watt the highest paid edge rusher?”

Watt, 30, is entering the final year of his four-year, $112 million deal he signed in 2021. By skipping mandatory minicamp, Watt was subject to a $17,462 fine on Day 1, $34,925 on Day 2 and $52,381 on Day 3. That’s $104,768 in accumulated fines. However, if he gets an extension at the rate Fowler expects — it will be nothing but a drop in the bucket for the star defender.

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett signed a four-year deal totaling $40 million per year last offseason. It made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Could Watt eclipse those numbers?

He seems to be worth every penny given the fact that Watt has led the NFL in sacks in three of the past five seasons. In eight seasons, Watt has tallied 108 sacks — fourth all-time among active players. He’s a four-time First-Team All-Pro selection and the 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year.

It’s worth noting that the Dallas Cowboys are also expected to re-sign Micah Parsons to a new contract in the coming weeks before the start of the season. That remains to be seen, but he could exceed Garrett’s numbers after he reset the market in 2024. Depending on who gets their extension first, the latter could get a pay raise simply by holding out longer.

Barkley Truax contributed to this report