Titans Should Avoid Trading for All-Pro Edge Rusher
While the season continues to get closer and closer, the rumor mill continues to get hotter and hotter. With one particular player, T.J. Watt, things are getting a little warmer after a recent update.
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The talented pass rusher is seeking an extension from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and currently, neither side can compromise on a deal. If things get bad enough to necessitate a move, one team that has been mentioned is the Tennessee Titans.
USA Today's Cody Woodruff listed Tennessee as a potential landing spot. The proposal included the Titans sending a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Watt.
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt (90).Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
This trade would give the Titans an elite pass-rusher, replacing Harold Landy, whom they released this offseason. Landry subsequently signed with the New England Patriots and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel.
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While acquiring a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year sounds like a positive, it is not likely to be something that happens. New general manager Mike Borgonzi has already stated at his introductory press conference in January how he wanted to build the Titans' roster, and it did not involve trading picks for star players:
"My vision as a team builder is to draft and develop," Borgonzi said. "We want to build a foundation of home-grown talent and reward those players that meet our standards. "
This is not to say that Borgonzi won't make any trades during his time as general manager of the Titans, but he also wants to draft pieces to the puzzle and not just trade for them. Otherwise, this would leave the Titans bereft of draft picks to replenish the roster.
Another reason this trade would not happen is that Watt would likely want to join a more immediate contender. The Titans are not exactly in a position to contend for a title right now, or maybe not even the postseason.
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Watt will want to get a lucrative extension, but he is definitely not a young player anymore. He would more likely want to join a team where he's a key piece in their title-winning efforts than a rebuilding team.
All in all, a trade to the Titans sounds like a good idea from the outside looking in. But it isn't something that would be ideal from Borgonzi's perspective on how to build the roster, nor what Watt is looking for, outside of money.
Related: Titans' L'Jarius Sneed Provides Health Update Ahead of Training Camp
Related: Former NFL Quarterback Suggests Two Vet WRs for Titans to Add
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
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