NFL News: Is Wisconsin Badgers Alum T.J. Watt on His Way Out of the Steelers? Mike Tomlin Feels Optimistic as 4-Time All-Pro Member is No-Show in Practice 3 Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrates an 18-16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Packers T.J. Watt Trade May be More Likely Than Ever

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 4:21 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have undertaken a dramatic offseason makeover, but the biggest move yet might still be to come.

After acquiring All-Pro defensive back Jalen Ramsey in exchange for All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, reports have surfaced that Pittsburgh could be looking to offload All-Pro former Defensive Player of The Year, T.J. Watt, amid stalled contract negotiations.

“Sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. “In recent weeks, multiple teams have been discussing whether they can trade for Steelers’ standout T.J. Watt, who skipped the team’s most recent minicamp. Pittsburgh hasn’t shown any willingness to deal Watt so far, but he’s unhappy with his contractual situation and sources believe outside team interest is likely to increase given today’s trade.”

If Watt is available, general manager Brian Gutekunst and the Green Bay Packers should absolutely be involved in trying to acquire the 30-year-old four-time First-Team All-Pro.

Why Trading for T.J. Watt Makes Sense for Packers

Green Bay is as well positioned as any team across the league to pry Watt away from the Steelers, and bring him back to his home state of Wisconsin.

If for no other reason, the fact that the Packers play in the NFC should give them an edge over some teams interested in adding Watt to their pass rush.

Additionally, Green Bay is currently have upwards of $35.5 million in cap space this season, which could easily accommodate Watt’s $21.05 million salary for the 2025 campaign. Meanwhile, Gutekunst has $17 million in cap space in 2026 to work with, and $82.9 million in spending flexibility in 2027.

Meanwhile, the Packers could also restructure quarterback Jordan Love’s deal to create additional cap space, if necessary, to ink Watt to an extension.

Watt is the kind of game-altering talent who instantly elevates a defense and could have a transformative impact on an underachieving Packers pass rush the moment he steps foot in Green Bay.

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

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

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