Every Chicago Bears fan remembers the story. Khalil Mack was locked in a contentious contract dispute with the Oakland Raiders. He wanted top money. They were reluctant to give it to him. It dragged on for months. Then, right before the start of the season, a bombshell dropped. Chicago had traded for the All-Pro pass rusher. His arrival sparked a 12-4 campaign that season, leading to the team's first division title in eight years. Since then, fans have always felt lightning could strike twice one day. Situations like Mack aren't unheard of. All it takes is the right circumstances. Enter TJ Watt.
The superstar pass rusher is embroiled in a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Like Mack, he wants top money befitting his long run of Hall of Fame-caliber success. According to Adam Schefter, the Steelers haven't acquiesced to this point, leading to widespread speculation in league circles that Watt might be available via trade. Pittsburgh has tried to steer people away from such an idea, but their recent decision to unload star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick for the older Jalen Ramsey raised eyebrows.
In recent weeks, multiple teams have been discussing whether they can trade for Pittsburgh Steelers standout pass rusher T.J. Watt, who skipped the team's most recent minicamp, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Steelers haven't shown any willingness to deal Watt so far, but he's unhappy with his contractual situation and sources believe outside team interest is likely to increase given Monday's trade that sent cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith from the Miami Dolphins to Pittsburgh in exchange for safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
TJ Watt would be a dream, but unlikely at this stage.
There is no question he could be the final piece to the puzzle for the Bears. Maybe not for a championship, but definitely to make them playoff contenders. The general feeling is that one area with question marks for Chicago is edge rusher. They have Montez Sweat, but he comes off a down year. Dayo Odeyingbo was a solid addition in free agency. He is more of a strong run defender who can get you around six sacks a season. They still need another true hunter to become a great defense. TJ Watt is undeniably that guy. He had 11.5 sacks last season, and many feel he had a down year. Pairing him with Sweat and having Gervon Dexter and Grady Jarrett in the middle would be unfair. Alas, the odds of it happening are remote.
Pittsburgh seems determined to work out a new contract, knowing they can't afford to lose him. Barring that, other teams have greater resources to make a trade happen.
