Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has a history of making calculated moves, but a potential trade for Pittsburgh Steelers’ superstar T.J. Watt could redefine the term “blockbuster.” With negotiations between Watt and the Steelers reportedly stalling, as the All-Pro edge rusher skipped OTAs and minicamp, speculation is mounting about a possible trade. While both sides remain motivated to reach a new deal, the idea of Watt donning midnight green is gaining traction.
Roseman, known for avoiding reckless spending, has shown he’s not afraid to swing big when the opportunity is right. The last time he traded a first-round pick was in 2022, when the Eagles sent the No. 18 and No. 101 overall picks to the Tennessee Titans for wide receiver A.J. Brown. Now, Bleacher Report’s Mitch Milani suggests Roseman should go all-in again, this time for Watt, a proven game-changer who could elevate Philadelphia’s defense to elite status.
Proposed Trade Details
Though the Steelers are unlikely to part with Watt—the heart of their defense—Milani’s trade proposal offers fair compensation for the 30-year-old superstar. The Eagles would send Pittsburgh their 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 second-round pick, and a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for Watt, who is in the final year of a four-year, $112 million extension signed in 2021. Watt is reportedly seeking a new contract in the $35–40 million per year range, a hefty but justifiable price for his production.
T.J. Watt’s Stellar Résumé
Drafted 30th overall out of Wisconsin in 2017, Watt has been a dominant force since entering the NFL. His accolades include:
108 career sacks
33 forced fumbles
Eight Pro Bowl selections
Four first-team All-Pro honors
Three Deacon Jones Awards
A record-tying 22.5 sacks in 2021, earning him Defensive Player of the Year
League-leading 19 sacks in 2023 and six forced fumbles in 2024
Watt’s ability to disrupt offenses is unmatched, making him a perfect fit for a contending team like the Eagles.
Why the Eagles Need Watt
Philadelphia’s defensive line took a hit this offseason with the departure of Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, and veteran Brandon Graham, who combined for 14 sacks in 2024. The Eagles are now relying on Nolan Smith (6.5 sacks in 2024), Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, and Josh Uche to fill the void. While these players show promise, none bring the consistent dominance of Watt.
Under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Watt’s knack for creating turnovers and pressuring quarterbacks could transform the Eagles’ defense into a juggernaut. Philly Voice’s Jimmy Kempski noted on June 17 that edge rusher is a position Roseman is likely evaluating, particularly based on how Ojulari and Uche perform in training camp.
Financial Feasibility
The Eagles currently have $30.8 million in cap space, making a trade for Watt financially viable. While his desired contract extension would require careful cap management, Philadelphia’s win-now mentality aligns with adding a player of Watt’s caliber. His presence could be the missing piece to push the Eagles toward a Super Bowl run.
A Long Shot Worth Pursuing
Trading for T.J. Watt remains a long shot, as Pittsburgh views him as indispensable. However, if negotiations continue to falter, Roseman could seize the opportunity to land one of the NFL’s premier defensive talents. A blockbuster trade for Watt would not only shock the league but also signal Philadelphia’s all-in approach to chasing a championship.