Death, taxes, expect the unexpected in the NFL. Those are the three cold, hard truths in life. Even if you think one player will never leave a certain team, it can always happen. In this case, it seems the Pittsburgh Steelers and edge rusher T.J. Watt might get a ‘divorce’ as both parts can’t seem to get a new deal done.
If Tom Brady left the New England Patriots, anything can happen, especially if not a quarterback. Even if T.J. Watt has become one of the best Steelers in this century, the NFL is a cruel, cruel business.
According to Mark Kaboly, who is Pittsburgh’s correspondent in the Pat McAfee Show, the black-and-gold team is not throwing the option of trading Watt out of the window. In fact, they could be taking a real look into it. Kaboly also appeared on 93.7 The Fan. There, he said the Steelers “are obviously inquiring to see what (the trading market for Watt) that might be.”
This is not something that Tomlin would like
Tomlin has been adamant that the team is not willing to trade Watt. After all, even if you get a haul, it’s not easy to replace a former Defensive Player of the Year who has been a four-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler. Not only that, Watt is a leader and a captain for this team.
While it’s hard to envision Watt in another NFL uniform, the Steelers might be inquiring what they can get. This contradicts all latest reports coming from Pittsburgh, but maybe that’s desperation sinking in.
Watt is 30 years old, but still at his peak
Last year Watt recorded 11.5 sacks, 4 passes defended (as an edge rusher!) and also led the league in forced fumbles with 6. He averages 15.2 sacks per year and has reached double-digit sacks in all but two seasons, one being his rookie year and the other being one where he missed seven games due to injury. He has been a top-3 name in the DPOY voting four times, marking his way as one of the best players in the league.
To get Watt, you must pay, or at least that’s what the logic would tell you. However, you’re getting a guy on his prime, even if it’s the twilight of said prime. The man is an absolute monster and any team could use a T.J. Watt on its roster.