The Pittsburgh Steelers and edge rusher T.J. Watt are in a contract dispute that has left his future with the franchise in an uncertain place.
Watt is entering the final year of his deal in 2025 and is seeking an extension. However, negotiations aren’t going well, which has caused the superstar defender to grow unhappy with his contract situation. Watt also skipped mandatory minicamp in June.
Though Pittsburgh doesn’t want to trade their defensive cornerstone, they could be forced to if an extension can’t be agreed upon. If that scenario transpires, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski believes the Steelers could trade Watt to the Los Angeles Rams for a 2026 first-round pick and edge rusher Byron Young.
The Rams again push their chips in to make sure their Super Bowl window is now. The team wants to maximize quarterback Matthew Stafford’s final years. Watt’s acquisition should be seen as the type of move to do so. Along with a future first-round pick, the Rams can send Byron Young back in return.
Trading Watt would not be ideal for Pittsburgh. However, getting a first-round pick back and an immediate replacement in Young wouldn’t be an awful return.
Young, who is entering his third season, tallied eight sacks in his rookie campaign in 2023 and 7.5 sacks in 2024. He has yet to miss a game in his career.
For the Rams, acquiring Watt would be the perfect all-in move. The 30-year-old would form a dynamic duo with Jared Verse on the defensive line and make Los Angeles a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Though Watt landing with the Rams would be an electric move, it’s still hard to envision a world where the future Hall of Famer isn’t a Steeler in 2025 and for the long term. Watt’s contract situation isn’t looking good right now, but we still expect him to sign an extension with Pittsburgh before the season.
MORE: Steelers predicted to opt for award-winning quarterback over Will Howard
