Former Wisconsin football star the subject of NFL trade rumors
Former Wisconsin football player, and current NFL star T.J. Watt has come up as a potential trade candidate this offseason.
Like his older brother, T.J. Watt is considered one of the best defensive players in the NFL and has been for some time. The 30-year-old Wisconsin football alum has been a cornerstone player for the Pittsburgh Steelers since he was drafted No. 30 overall in 2017.
Watt’s time in the NFL has been massively successful. In eight seasons, Watt has totaled 108 sacks, 126 tackles for a loss, 33 forced fumbles, and seven interceptions. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, a first-team all-pro four times, and finished in the top-3 for the AP Defensive Player of the Year four times, winning the award in 2021.
The former Badger is coming off another double-digit sack season and about to enter the final year of the 4 year, $112 million deal he signed in 2022 that made him the highest-paid defensive player at the time. Since then, his contract has been surpassed multiple times. So, as one of the top pass rushers in the league, Watt is looking for a raise and to be compensated fairly.
Contract negotiations between Watt and the Steelers have not been productive so far this offseason, and things are potentially hitting a tipping point. In a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, teams around the NFL are discussing potential trades for Watt, especially after the Steelers’ recent trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, which included a slight raise for the new cornerback.
NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero and Schefter have both added information, saying the Steelers are not interested in dealing Watt.
Right now, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is the highest-paid defensive player in terms of average per year at $40 million per year after signing a lucrative 4-year, $160 million deal this offseason. That’s almost double of what Watt is due this season ($28 million).
The Steelers currently have just over $25 million in cap space in 2025, the 15th-most in the NFL according to Sportac.com. There are always ways to make more cap space to sign players like Watt, but whether the Steelers want to go above that $40 million per year.
If not, there will be no shortage of suitors willing to trade for and extend the former Wisconsin football star.
It means a lot to have you here at The Badger Backer. I'm passionate about digging deep into Wisconsin football and basketball, and your readership makes it all worthwhile. Catch up on previous posts or ensure you don't miss anything by subscribing below! Let's keep the Badger conversation going!
You can find more of my work at All Badgers. Follow me on ‘X’ @christianborman and @thebadgerbacker!