This offseason, many names were mentioned as potential trade possibilities for the Green Bay Packers, including:
D. K. Metcalf. George Pickens. Chris Kirk. Jalen Ramsey.
The list extends beyond that. While all are — or were — great concepts on paper, none would have the same impact if the Packers signed T.J. Watt.
This is Green Bay’s Super Bowl-winning move.
Watt is still holding out after skipping the Pittsburgh Steelers’ minicamp. After dealing for cornerback Jalen Ramsey on Monday, the Steelers’ finances tightened.
Watt is entering the final year of his contract, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that other clubs have explored what it would take to get him away from Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh must keep Watt on its roster after adding Ramsey, cornerback Darius Slay, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason. The Steelers have built a roster with the goal of capitalizing now, and a 31-year-old Watt playing some of his finest ball should be part of that equation.
However, for various reasons, the two parties do not agree. That has opened the door to trading speculation.
Let’s look back at what Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst stated in January, right after the Philadelphia Eagles ended Green Bay’s season.
I believe that as we complete this season, we must continue to increase our feeling of urgency. These opportunity do not occur very often. A National Football League player has a short career. We have a lot of good men and talented guys in that locker room, and I believe it’s time to start fighting for championships, right?
The names proposed as trade candidates for Green Bay this offseason were all great, but none would propel the Packers to the heights that Watt might.
Anyone on Green Bay’s staff or in the front office will express optimism about the team’s edge rushers this season. Gutekunst anticipates a “big jump” from Lukas Van Ness. Rashan Gary improved and became more comfortable with Jeff Hafley’s system throughout last season. Rookie reinforcements. In addition to Kingsley Enagbare and Brenton Cox Jr., Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver should provide depth.
All of that sounds wonderful, but if you ask any group of Packer supporters what position groupings they’re most concerned about in 2025, edge rushers will be near the top of the list.
Last year, the Packers experienced multiple droughts during which they struggled to muster consistent pressure — or sometimes any pressure — on the opposing quarterback. Green Bay had 45 sacks in 2024, but 15 of them came in two games against the woeful Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks offensive lines. Meanwhile, Watt is a one-man wrecking crew with a proven track record.
Metcalf would’ve been fun. Ramsey would’ve provided stability in the cornerback room. Watt makes you a legitimate Super Bowl threat.
The Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl in February, thanks largely to their pass rush. Green Bay is optimistic that some players will elevate their game, but doubt remains. Hope and faith are good, but Watt would be a sure bet. He is a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-Pro in four of the last six years.
It might seem like an exaggeration to say that one man could transform the Packers from “should be a playoff team” to “potential NFC favorite,” but Watt is all of that and more.
He is perhaps the most impactful defensive player in the game, and he happens to play a position critical to Green Bay’s defensive success.
The cost will not be inexpensive. In all likelihood, the Steelers and Watt will settle their differences and reach an agreement on a new contract that may exceed what the Cleveland Browns offered Myles Garrett earlier this spring. That’s how these things usually go.
If Gutekunst wants to keep his word, he needs to call T.J. Watt and inquire about a trade. It would be costly in terms of draft and actual capital. However, that is the type of sacrifice required to beat the greatest of the best.
Last year, Saquon Barkley proved to be the Eagles’ missing piece in their quest for success. Philadelphia’s attack looked entirely different with him in the backfield. He led the league with 345 carries and 2,005 yards, finishing third in MVP votes.
A single player can truly make all the difference. For the Packers, that would be T.J. Watt.
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