It's been a tumultuous offseason for the Patriots' AFC rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team went from having two quarterbacks last year to none, which led to the desperation signing of Aaron Rodgers in recent weeks.
They passed on Shedeur Sanders and other rookie QBs to select Oregon DT Derrick Harmon in the first round, later adding names like Kaleb Johnson and Jack Sawyer to the class. The team made some solid defensive additions, signing Darius Slay and Brandin Echols at corner and former Raven Malik Harrison as a new linebacker.
One of the more under-the-radar stories has been the future of Hall of Fame edge rusher T.J. Watt and his status with the team. Recently, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer was asked if an extension or trade was more likely for the star. In response, he stated that he finds it hard to believe the team and Watt won't be able to find common ground on a new deal. The 30-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, and likely has one more big payday before he calls it quits.
Breer compared Watt's situation to that of Trey Hendrickson's in Cincinnati, and wagers Watt will receive an extension that averages out somewhere in the mid-$30 million per year range.
Moving on from T.J. Watt would be foolish for the Steelers
Based on the other moves the Steelers made this offseason, moving on from their best player seems like just about the worst thing they could do. They seem perfectly fine with riding the inevitable 9-8, wildcard berth, and first-round exit they always seem to end their season with, as indicated by their additions. A 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers and a 34-year-old Darius Slay aren't exactly long-term additions, and a 33-year-old Robert Woods currently occupies the WR2 role according to ESPN.
Financially, the team will enter 2026 with only two players over the $20 million cap mark, leaving over $90 million free to spend, making an extension more than feasible. While the Patriots or other teams would likely send over at least two first-round picks, they seem all in on 2025 being a time they can compete.
Could the Patriots make a trade work if something changes?
The short answer is yes. If the Patriots want Watt and, by some miracle, he becomes available, and the Steelers are willing to trade him within their conference, then yes, I'd expect them to be front-runners. But that's also a lot of ifs. In theory, it would likely take a pair of first-round picks as a starting point, as mentioned. Perhaps Watt and a mid-round pick are swapped for a pair of firsts and Kayshon Boutte? Maybe they send K'Lavon Chaisson to Pittsburgh as an extra pass rusher in Watt's wake?
The Patriots have plenty of money for an extension and a need on the edge. Harold Landry and Anfernee Jennings are productive players, but neither is close to Watt's level.
The more talent the team can add, the better, and there isn't much more talent than T.J. Watt. If there's any chance that Mike Vrabel, Shane Cowden, and Eliot Wolf are available, they should already be in touch.