Wild Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sees Steelers Land Franchise QB for T.J. Watt
During the era of social media, it’s feasible to locate a supporter for any type of exchange. However, as of April 13, it is likely that most of Steelers Nation does not support the Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to let go of All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt.
However, some fans may alter their perspective if a trade for Watt leads to obtaining a franchise quarterback.
Ex-NFL player Chris Canty suggested the idea during an ESPN radio show on Friday. Canty suggested the Steelers might consider trading for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, with Watt involved in the exchange.
“Employing T.J. Watt as a means to extract Brock Purdy from San Francisco,” Canty stated on ESPN Radio’s UnSportsmanLike, according to NBC Sports Bay Area. “The 49ers revamped their defense, successfully bringing in assistance for Fred Warner and Nick Bosa.” T.J. Watt is included in that group. [Robert] Saleh has returned to his role as the defensive coordinator.
“[The 49ers] possess the 11th overall selection, allowing them to likely choose a quarterback if they aren’t required to part with that pick in the trade.” “I’m not sure how the 49ers can turn that down.”
Watt has been the focus of trade speculation in recent days due to a mysterious social media image he shared on his Instagram story Wednesday. The image showed Watt displaying two fingers in a “peace” gesture.
Certain commentators have viewed the image as Watt bidding farewell to the Steelers due to the ongoing contract negotiations between the two parties not progressing positively.
Reasons the Steelers Might Be Interested in Brock Purdy
The Steelers aimed to have Aaron Rodgers as their temporary quarterback this offseason while searching for a more long-term answer. Rodgers might still sign this year. In reality, NFL insiders have consistently suggested that the indications favor that occurring.
Nevertheless, it has yet to occur. Given that the Steelers allegedly extended an offer to Rodgers around a month back, it’s interesting to consider how much the seasoned quarterback truly desires to play for Pittsburgh.
Acquiring Purdy through a trade would prevent the Steelers from having to wait for a response from Rodgers. It should also conclude the team’s ongoing quest for a quarterback.
Since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have played five different quarterbacks over the span of three seasons. Four of those quarterbacks, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph, have achieved winning records during the regular season.
However, the Steelers have not claimed the AFC North title since 2020, nor have they won a playoff game since January 2017.
In three seasons in the NFL, Purdy has achieved a 23-13 record in the regular season. In the 2023 season, he guided the 49ers to an NFC title.
In the previous year, Purdy achieved a completion rate of 65.9% on his passes, totaling 3,864 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Purdy has recorded an average of 8.9 yards per attempt throughout his career and achieved 8.5 yards per pass during the last season.
Is it Possible for the Steelers to Actually Trade T.J. Watt?
Franchise quarterbacks such as Purdy typically aren’t accessible. There’s truly no indication that Purdy is available for trade this offseason, aside from the fact that the quarterback finished a lackluster 2024 season with a 6-9 record.
Therefore, it is highly probable that it would require something like parting ways with Watt for the 49ers to entertain a trade concerning Purdy.
Watt celebrated his 30th birthday last season and is now in the last year of his existing contract. Up until last week, it seemed that the Steelers and edge rusher were set to reach another long-term agreement to maintain his presence in Pittsburgh.
Watt’s Instagram update, however, hinted to some that contract negotiations are not progressing smoothly.
“I believe we can confidently state that the contract discussions between T.J. Watt and the Steelers aren’t beginning on a high note,” Rapoport said during Thursday’s Good Morning, Football, according to Steelers Depot’s Joe Clark. “It doesn’t imply they can’t reach it; they have reached it in the past.”
Watt may be seeking to reclaim his status as the highest-paid defender in the NFL. His contract renewal in 2021 granted him that title.
However, with Myles Garrett finalizing an extension with the Cleveland Browns this offseason, the cost to elevate Watt to the highest-paid defender in the NFL has surpassed $40 million annually.
Writers covering the Steelers regularly, like Mark Kaboly and Noah Strackbein, continue to expect the team to offer Watt a new contract extension. However, the negotiations will not be without drama.
If negotiations remain difficult and the Steelers seriously consider trading Watt for a franchise quarterback, a deal might start to seem reasonable.