Packers T.J. Watt Trade May be More Likely Than Ever 2 Nov 12, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love (10)is pressured by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Packers Linked as T.J. Watt Best Fit

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 6:09 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers may be ideally positioned to trade for All-Pro and former Defensive Player of the Year, T.J. Watt.

Watt, a Wisconsin native and one of the most disruptive pass rushers across the sport, as been embroiled in a bitter contract standoff with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. Following the Steelers’ acquisition of All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey, there is renewed belief among teams across the league that Pittsburgh might actually trade Watt.

If Watt is available, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst holds some major cards to pull off a blockbuster trade to land the 31-year-old game-wrecker.

Why the Packers Could Be T.J. Watt Frontrunner

The Packers have frequently been mentioned as a top destination for Watt, and USATODAY’s Jacob Camenker thinks Green Bay should make a deal happen.

“Watt would be a quality partner for Gary and would allow Van Ness to remain in a top backup role while he continues to develop,” Camenker wrote for USATODAY. “Green Bay has $35.5 million in available cap space – the fifth-most in the NFL – so the Packers could easily afford to swing a deal for the All-Pro.”

Packers Urged to Pull Off T.J. Watt Blockbuster Trade 2 Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates a sack of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) in the fourth quarter of a Week 12 NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at Paycor Stadium.

Adding Watt would be a clear and obvious upgrade, given that he has produced 108 sacks through his first eight seasons, and reached double-figures in six of the past seven years. But, doing so without trading away Gary, whom the Packers still seem to believe has a next-gear of production yet to be reached, or Van Ness, would be a steal for Gutekunst and Green Bay.

Given that the Packers have upwards of $35 million in cap space this season, $17 million in cap space next season, and are projected to have $82.9 million in spending flexibility in 2027, few teams or front offices are as well-positioned as Green Bay to capitalize on any remaining contract strife between Watt and the Steelers.

Packers Linked as T.J. Watt Best Fit 3 Nov 12, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) passes against pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) and linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 23-19. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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