Packers Trade Proposal Swaps Young WR for $112 Million All-Pro

Over in Pittsburgh, the Steelers and All‑Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt are currently entrenched in high-stakes contract talks.

Watt, entering the final year of his four‑year, $112 million deal, has skipped both voluntary OTAs and the mandatory minicamp in what’s becoming an increasingly tense standoff that could generate fines north of $100,000 should he continue to be absent from team activities.

Considering their current needs at pass rusher, Mitch Milani of Bleacher Report put together some “blockbuster” trade proposals for Watt, and he has the Green Bay Packers as a top trade partner.

In his trade proposal, Milani would send Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for the All-Pro pass rusher. Let’s discuss.

What’s Going on With the Steelers & Watt’s Contract?

While both the Steelers and Watt are motivated to strike a new deal before training camp, the negotiating landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years, with elite pass rushers like Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby now making upwards of $35 million annually.

With Watt likely seeking a contract in the $35  million per‑year range, the Steelers face a pivotal decision, it’s easy to see why the Packers, with decent cap space and a need for a game‑changing edge presence, could emerge as unexpected trade contenders.

Heading to play on the Frozen Tundra could be appealing to Watt, as he’s a Wisconsin native who played his college ball in his home state.

Drafted 30th overall out of the University of Wisconsin by the Steelers in 2017, Watt wasted no time making his mark. He started 15 games his rookie year, finishing with 7.0 sacks, 13 QB hits, an interception and a forced fumble while earning PFWA All‑Rookie honors.

In the following seasons, he blossomed into a defensive dynamo: in 2019, he had 14.5 sacks, tied for the league lead in forced fumbles (8) and earned his first All‑Pro nod.

Watt reached another level in 2020, leading the NFL with 15 sacks and 23 tackles for loss while also netting a ridiculous 41 QB hists, which remains a career high. He was even better in 2021, breaking the Steelers’ single-season sack record with 22.5—tying the NFL’s all-time sack record—and winning the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Despite a shortened 2022 due to injury, Watt returned in 2023 with 19 sacks—becoming the first player to lead the league in sacks three times. In 2024, he recorded his 100th career sack and again led the NFL in forced fumbles (6), earning his fifth All‑Pro nod.

A Trade for T.J. Watt Would Immediately Transform the Green Bay Packers Defense

Green Bay’s pass‑rush isn’t bad, but the group lacks a bona‑fide superstar. While they have a solid edge in Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness has yet to consistently produce any type of pressure across a full season. Watt’s arrival would instantly elevate Green Bay’s entire defensive line. With Watt on one side and Gary on the other, Green Bay would have an undeniable one-two punch.

Green Bay is currently ranked sixth in the NFL in cap space with $35.6  million, positioning them well to absorb Watt’s contract demands and his 2025 cap hit (estimated at $30.4 million) without major financial strain.

There has been little evidence the Steelers want to move on from Watt. For much of the past decade, he has been a staunch team leader and remains one of the best in the business. But if he decides he wants to move on, anything is possible — and heading home to Wisconsin to play for a contender could be a alluring idea. Cross those fingers and hope for a miracle, Packer Nation.