Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Packers’ Dream Trade Scenario Is Officially Off the Table

Originally posted on Packers Coverage | By Evan Massey | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 4:53 PM ET

Throughout the course of the 2025 NFL offseason, the Green Bay Packers have been linked as a possible suitor for multiple big trades. One of those suggested trades was for Pittsburgh Steelers superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt.

Watt was in a contract extension standoff with the Steelers. However, that standoff officially came to an end on Thursday afternoon.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Watt has agreed to a monstrous three-year, $123 million contract. That deal makes him the highest paid non-quarterback per year in NFL history.

ESPN sources: Steelers star TJ Watt has become the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history for the second time in his illustrious career, reaching agreement today on a three-year, $123 million extension that includes $108M fully guaranteed at signing. The $41 million per year average… pic.twitter.com/si6V7FUdlp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2025

Making a trade for Watt was never a likely scenario for the Packers. However, it can now be completely written off.

Heading into the 2025 season, there are questions about Green Bay’s pass rush. Rashan Gary will be asked to play a much bigger role this season than he did last year. Other players will need to step up around him as well.

Lukas Van Ness has yet to materialize into the pass rushing threat that the Packers thought he would be when they drafted him No. 13 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Green Bay also has names like Karl Brooks, Kingsley Enagbare, Collin Oliver, and Barryn Sorrell to keep an eye on. Edgerrin Cooper could also make a much bigger impact rushing the passer.

There is no reason to panic about the Packers’ pass rushing talent. They simply need current players on the roster to take their games up a notch.

Even though the connection to a potential Watt trade was exciting to think about, fans knew it wasn’t going to happen. It will be interesting to see what the 2025 has in store for Green Bay when it comes to putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

This article first appeared on Packers Coverage and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: