The NFL offseason has been unbelievably quiet this year. Granted, we've only lived through 13 days of 2026 at the time of this publication, but really, we haven't seen much in the way of seismic signings or trades that are sure to tear up the fabric of the league ahead of the 2026 season.
So, what we're left with as fans is being able to read in between the lines. And, that's exactly what we have to do reading Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt's comments after the team dropped yet another first round postseason game.
Watt told reporters after the game in response to a question about what needs to change to help them gain postseason success: "I haven't had the answer for a long time, so don't ask me."
Watt seems frustrated beyond belief by the Steelers' coasting, and understandably so. And, now the team has lost their 19-year head coach in Mike Tomlin, which could mean they're about to enter a rebuild. Finally.
Would Watt be interested, we wonder, in joining a winning team over in the NFC North?
Lions should keep their eyes open for a potential T.J. Watt trade
Detroit would likely need to send over some playable defenders to Pittsburgh in lieu of their first round pick for this year's draft, a piece of compensation that does feel a little rich for our blood. A potential trade could look like:
Two second round picks and a huge contract in McNeill getting sent out to Pittsburgh in exchange for a bonafide number two next to Aidan Hutchinson doesn't feel like too big of a sacrifice if you're Detroit. Over the Cap calls this trade a win for the Lions, despite them taking back $2 million more in Watt's contract with this trade.
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McNeill is a starter and a reasonable asset to part with if you're the Lions in this situation, especially since he didn't look too explosive as a run defender this season when he returned from injury. This could make the Steelers look at this deal sideways and end up making them ask for a first rounder rather than two seconds, or one in addition to a future second along with McNeill.
Still, it's a player that the Lions need to keep on their radar given these comments. Watt just finished up his season with two picks in addition to seven sacks and three forced fumbles, and he just finished an 11.5 sack campaign back in 2024. That's an immediate replacement for Al-Quadin Muhammad for the Lions, and Watt would be under control until 2028.
Watt would certainly be a lot happier competing in the NFC North with the Lions, who are genuinely a center away from contending again.