In a prediction that has ripped through the National Football League like a defensive end through an offensive line, ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the premier news breaker in professional football, has boldly suggested that Pittsburgh Steelers’ reigning Defensive Player of the Year, T.J. Watt, could be traded to the Detroit Lions in a blockbuster deal. This shocking pronouncement, made on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, during an appearance on ESPN’s “NFL Live,” immediately ignited a firestorm of speculation, debate, and disbelief across the league, particularly in Pittsburgh and Detroit.
The very notion of T.J. Watt in a different uniform, let alone the Honolulu Blue and Silver of the Detroit Lions, is almost unfathomable for many. Watt, a four-time First-Team All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler, and a former Defensive Player of the Year, has been the heart and soul of the Steelers’ defense since being drafted in 2017. He is arguably the most dominant edge rusher of his generation, consistently leading the league in sacks, forced fumbles, and quarterback hits. His departure would represent a monumental shift for the Steelers, while his arrival in Detroit would instantly elevate the Lions into undisputed Super Bowl contention.
Schefter’s prediction, while audacious, doesn’t come entirely out of left field. There have been ongoing whispers and concerns surrounding Watt’s contract situation. Watt is entering the final year of the four-year, $112 million extension he signed in 2021. While that deal made him the highest-paid defensive player at the time, the market for elite edge rushers has exploded since, with players like Myles Garrett now earning over $40 million annually. Watt, at 30 years old (turning 31 in October 2025), is seeking a new deal that reflects his continued elite production, and recent reports indicate that contract talks with the Steelers have not progressed smoothly, leading to Watt missing mandatory minicamp.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Steelers have been uncharacteristically active in the trade market this offseason. They notably traded safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins for cornerback Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. Prior to that, they also acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf and cornerback Darius Slay. While these moves signal an “all-in” mentality to compete now, particularly with the arrival of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, some analysts have speculated if the Steelers are truly willing to spend what it takes to keep every top-tier player, especially with their long-standing policy of not negotiating during the season.
However, it is crucial to note that numerous reports and Steelers insiders, including Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, have vehemently denied any intention by the Steelers to trade Watt. They assert that Pittsburgh remains committed to signing Watt to a contract extension before the season begins, dismissing trade talks as mere speculation.
Despite the Steelers’ stated intentions, Schefter’s hypothetical linking of Watt to the Lions is not without a compelling rationale, especially from Detroit’s perspective:
- Defensive Need for an Elite Pass Rusher: While Aidan Hutchinson has emerged as one of the best young edge rushers in the NFL, the Lions have been actively seeking a complementary, high-impact pass rusher opposite him. They took flyers on players like Za’Darius Smith in previous seasons and have reportedly pursued other edge rushing help. A consistent, dominant force like Watt would transform their defensive line.
- Super Bowl Contention Window: The Lions are firmly in their Super Bowl contention window. With a strong offense, a stellar offensive line, and an emerging defense, adding a game-wrecker like Watt could be the missing piece to push them over the top.
- Financial Flexibility: The Lions possess significant salary cap space. As of July 2, 2025, Spotrac reports the Lions have $48.59 million in Top 51 Cap Space for 2025, ranking them second in the league. This substantial cap room could easily accommodate Watt’s immediate financial desires and a lucrative long-term extension. T.J. Watt’s 2025 cap hit is currently $30.41 million.
- Draft Capital (Potentially): While the Lions would be loath to part with early draft picks, they have the assets to make a compelling offer if the Steelers were genuinely open to a trade. Their 2026 draft picks are largely intact, including their own first-round pick, and they could potentially acquire additional picks through other means.
- Dan Campbell’s Aggressive Approach: Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell and General Manager Brad Holmes are known for their aggressive, “all-in” approach. If they believe Watt is the difference-maker, they would likely be willing to push all their chips into the middle.
For a trade to occur, the Steelers would have to drastically change their current stance. They view Watt as integral to their defense and their immediate Super Bowl aspirations. Trading him would contradict their “loading up” strategy and create a massive hole on their defense.
Furthermore, any trade for Watt would involve a significant haul of draft picks, likely multiple first-round selections and potentially a day-two pick, given his age and sustained dominance. The Lions would also need to negotiate a new, massive contract with Watt immediately upon acquiring him, likely in the range of $35-40 million per year, potentially even surpassing Myles Garrett’s deal. This would be a multi-faceted, complex transaction.
- Immediate Super Bowl Contenders: Adding Watt would arguably give the Lions the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL (Watt and Hutchinson), instantly making their defense elite and a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
- Massive Fanbase Hype: The already fervent “Dawg Pound” (Lions fans) would reach unprecedented levels of excitement.
- Long-Term Financial Commitment: A new contract for Watt would be a significant long-term financial commitment, potentially impacting future cap flexibility.
- Devastating Defensive Loss: Losing Watt would be an enormous blow to their defense, despite the recent additions. It would fundamentally alter their identity.
- Accumulation of Draft Capital: The trade would net them a treasure trove of draft picks, allowing them to rebuild or retool other areas of the roster. This could be enticing for a team looking to plan for life after key veteran contracts.
- Shift in Identity: It would signal a dramatic shift in the Steelers’ long-standing philosophy of retaining homegrown stars.
While Adam Schefter’s prediction is undeniably “shocking” and has sent “shockwaves” throughout the NFL, most current reports suggest that the Steelers are determined to extend T.J. Watt’s contract and have no intention of trading him. The idea of him leaving Pittsburgh is a nightmare scenario for Steelers fans and a fantasy for fans of other teams.
However, in the cutthroat business of the NFL, where contract impasses can fester and team philosophies can shift, the possibility, no matter how remote, remains. Schefter’s role is to report on potential scenarios and provide insights into behind-the-scenes discussions. The fact that “multiple teams have had internal discussions about whether they can make a deal for the veteran,” as Schefter also reported, indicates that general managers around the league are certainly “sniffing around” the situation.
Ultimately, while the Detroit Lions would be an ideal landing spot from a fit and financial perspective, a T.J. Watt trade remains a long shot. But in the unpredictable world of the NFL, especially in the wake of the Steelers’ recent unexpected trades, Schefter’s bold prediction ensures that all eyes will be on T.J. Watt’s contract situation as training camp approaches. The idea alone is enough to rattle the foundations of “Dawg Nation” and energize the Lions faithful, proving that in the NFL, even the most unlikely scenarios can become the subject of intense speculation and hope.
