The Pittsburgh Steelers have been navigating a tricky period over the past several years. Despite their playoff struggles since 2016, the team hasn’t dipped into losing season territory under head coach Mike Tomlin’s leadership. Notably, star players like linebacker T.J. Watt have yet to savor a playoff win, despite their standout performances.
Their steady, albeit unspectacular, trajectory means they’re yet to land a game-changing quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger hung up his cleats. Interestingly, they haven’t gone all-in on pursuing one either. This has led to some whispers about potentially trading T.J. Watt, a move that could fetch them valuable assets in the trade market. While this idea feels like sacrilege to many die-hard Steelers fans, there are voices like Ed Bouchette’s advocating for it. During his appearance on The PM Show on 93.7 The Fan, Bouchette expressed his take on the subject rather candidly.
“I’d either let him play out this year without a new contract,” Bouchette remarked. “Or, and I know this sounds outrageous because he’s such a phenomenal player, but I’d trade him.” He compares this to past decisions involving players like Franco and others, highlighting the harsh realities of the business.
Bouchette knows his stance isn’t popular and has brought this up before, even shortly after the recent season came to a close. He admits he doesn’t expect the Steelers to actually take this step unless the trade value is irresistible.
Discarding such a pivotal part of the defense seems unthinkable for many. Watt was a late first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft but has since ascended to become the franchise’s all-time sack leader. Over eight seasons, his stats are undeniably impressive, with 108 regular-season sacks and 126 tackles for losses. He’s a top-tier edge rusher, no doubt.
However, Watt’s tenure hasn’t seen the Steelers clinch even a single playoff victory. He’s an integral part of their game strategy, yet Bouchette argues he should be traded before potentially leaving as a free agent.
“They were going to let Polamalu go if he didn’t retire,” Bouchette explained. “Watt holds a special place here, but if I were to channel my inner Bill Belichick, I’d take a more ruthless approach. Honestly, I don’t see them winning in the near future.”
If Bouchette’s prediction holds and the Steelers aren’t eyeing a Super Bowl in the next couple of years with Watt, why pin him down to a long-term deal? Watt will be hitting 31 during the 2025 season, and although he’s been a consistent presence in all 17 games for the past two years, injuries hampered his playoff effectiveness or sidelined him entirely in that timeframe.
Watt’s contract demands will undoubtedly be significant if an extension arises this season. His brother J.J. has already critiqued the Steelers for missing a cheaper signing opportunity last offseason.
Could the Steelers really entertain the thought of trading a legendary figure like T.J. Watt? If they’re open to discussions, it’s likely they’d encounter a bustling market ready to negotiate. This could result in coveted draft picks, enhancing their chances at drafting a franchise quarterback.
Without a solid quarterback in place, T.J. Watt may continue to grapple with postseason disappointments alongside the Steelers themselves.
