Latest news with #NFLDefensivePlayeroftheYear
USA Today
7 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
T.J. Watt landing spots: Eagles, Lions top options if Steelers trade All-Pro
T.J. Watt has spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers since being selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Could that change during the 2025 NFL offseason? Watt and the Steelers are in the process of negotiating a potential long-term extension. The 30-year-old is entering the final year of a four-year, $112.01 million contract he signed in 2021, but is due a raise after Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett reset the NFL's edge rusher market with a four-year, $160 million deal earlier this offseason. Thus far, Watt and the Steelers have not been able to bridge the gap. The veteran skipped Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp amid the negotiations, leading many to wonder whether the two parties would eventually be able to reach a deal. T.J. WATT: What we know about All-Pro's contract dispute, trade rumors The Steelers remain focused on keeping Watt and signing him to an extension and would prefer not to trade him. As such, it stands to reason they will eventually agree to a new contract that keeps the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year in Pittsburgh long-term. Nonetheless, teams will continue to inquire about Watt's availability. It is still possible, although unlikely, that the two sides could reach an impasse and part ways. Who would be Watt's top suitors if that happens? Plenty of contenders would be interested in his services, while the Steelers would likely prefer to send him to the NFC if their relationship deteriorates. JALEN RAMSEY TRADE: Dolphins deal star CB to Steelers in blockbuster move Philadelphia Eagles Could Watt stay in Pennsylvania even if he and the Steelers can't reach an agreement? Howie Roseman has never been afraid to make aggressive trades, has $30.8 million in cap space available and could use another playmaker on the edge. The Eagles lost several edge rushers during the offseason, as Josh Sweat signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, Bryce Huff was traded to the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Graham retired. Philadelphia still has some young talent at the position in Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt, but adding a proven veteran like Watt would help keep its Super Bowl window open. Detroit Lions Aidan Hutchinson is one of the best young pass rushers in the NFL, but the Lions don't have a proven No. 2 option across from him. Watt would more than fill that need and could pair with Hutchinson to become one of the NFL's most dynamic pass-rushing duos. Detroit is one of just three NFL teams with more than $40 million in cap space for the upcoming season, making it relatively easy for Brad Holmes to fit Watt into the team's financial plan. NFL ROOKIES TO WATCH: Ashton Jeanty headlines most explosive players in 2025 Green Bay Packers The Packers spent a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Lukas Van Ness, hoping he could develop into a quality starter across from Rashan Gary. That plan hasn't yet come to fruition. Watt would be a quality partner for Gary and would allow Van Ness to remain in a top backup role while he continues to develop. Green Bay has $35.5 million in available cap space – the fifth-most in the NFL – so the Packers could easily afford to swing a deal for the All-Pro. Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Buccaneers signed Haason Reddick to a one-year deal during the 2025 NFL offseason but that won't preclude them from pursuing a talent like Watt. Calijah Kancey led Tampa Bay with 7.5 sacks last season, but the Buccaneers could use a legitimate double-digit sack threat on the outside. Watt would qualify, and the Buccaneers – who have won three consecutive NFC South titles – have a respectable $26.6 million in cap space for the upcoming season. Los Angeles Rams The Rams have plenty of young talent on the defensive line, including reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse. Los Angeles could choose to roll with what it has at the position, but there's little doubt Watt and Verse would make a fierce pass-rushing duo, much like the one Von Miller and Aaron Donald formed during the Rams' Super Bowl 56 win. Les Snead has never been afraid to trade draft picks for proven players, and Matthew Stafford is entering his age-37 season. That should put Watt firmly on Los Angeles' radar.
USA Today
9 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Julian Edelman's blunt prediction on Aaron Rodgers joining Steelers
New England Patriots legend Julian Edelman is enthralled with the idea of future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers joining the Pittsburgh Steelers on his NFL farewell tour. He acknowledged that the move is great for both the Steelers and the entire league. However, when it comes to going to a Super Bowl, Edelman isn't willing to go that far with the Rodgers and Steelers team-up. "I think it's going to be an exciting season. I mean, they're bringing one of the greatest quarterbacks of our generation into a cornerstone franchise with the Steelers," said Edelman, when appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd. "I'm going to watch every game. I can't wait to see it. It's a great move. It's great for the league. But do I think they're going to the Super Bowl? No." The Steelers are making moves like a team that believes they're close to winning a championship. Along with signing Rodgers, the team recently pulled off a blockbuster trade that included sending a 2027 draft pick and five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins for tight end Jonnu Smith, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and a 2027 draft pick. They have also snubbed T.J. Watt-related trade talk up to this point, despite the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year being dissatisfied with his contract status. Whether this approach to the season works out for Pittsburgh or not remains to be seen. The Patriots won't have to wait long to get a crack at the new-look Steelers with the team slated to visit Foxborough in Week 3 of the 2025 season. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
USA Today
10 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Could New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence win Defensive Player of the Year?
The New York Giants' roster has been panned as one that is devoid of top talent, but they do have one player they can hang their hat on: Defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence. The 6-foot-4, 340-pound 2019 first-round pick out of Clemson has become a monolithic presence in the middle of the Giants' defensive front, an immovable force. Last year, Lawrence led all NFL interior defensive linemen with 9.0 sacks, and he did it in just 12 games, missing the Giants' final five games with a dislocated elbow. Lawrence is clearly head and shoulders over the pack when it comes to one particular stat. Lawrence has become such a standout that many insiders have no choice but to recognize his ability and achievements. In a recent piece for Bleacher Report, Brent Sobieski listed Lawrence as a top-5 candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Interestingly, Lawrence is the catalyst among this talented group, because he's such a rare talent. Massive interior defensive linemen aren't supposed to be capable of consistently harassing quarterbacks. They're supposed to be space-eaters who let everyone else get the glory. Keep in mind, Lawrence managed nine sacks in 12 games played in 2024 and only 550 total snaps, per Pro Football Focus. With the talent now around the 27-year-old making it harder to double-team him, the Giants' three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle could easily accumulate double-digit sacks for the first time. The group being referred to here is the Giants' linebacker group of Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and rookie Abdul Carter. They should surely ease the burden on Lawrence this year, as will rookie defensive lineman Darius Alexander and a stronger defensive line rotation. Lawrence was a workhorse on the defensive front in 2024, playing nearly 80 percent of the snaps, an unheard-of amount of playing time for a man of his physical stature.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
So what's going on with T.J. Watt? The latest on the Steelers' premier pass rusher
The Pittsburgh Steelers struck a blockbuster deal Monday, trading five-time Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins for seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey and one-time Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. The trade also included a pick swap. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Ramsey is getting a $1.5 million raise this season, meaning the 30-year-old corner will earn $26.6 million in 2025, only $3 million of which the Dolphins are paying. Advertisement Smith, meanwhile, is receiving a one-year contract extension worth $12 million, per Schefter. With the Steelers set to doll out money to those newcomers, questions have stirred about a veteran who was already on the roster: seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro T.J. Watt. The standout pass rusher has been unhappy with his contract situation, and, according to ESPN sources, "outside team interest is likely to increase" following this week's head-turning trade. Schefter reported Monday that, even in recent weeks, multiple teams had been discussing the possibility of a trade for Watt. But Pittsburgh has made it clear that it wants Watt to be a Steeler for life, and that goal hasn't changed, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, who reported Monday that the Steelers are still aiming to sign Watt to an extension. Advertisement Watt, who turns 31 in October, is entering the final year of the four-year, $112 million extension he signed in September 2021. That season, he ultimately won NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The pass rusher market has since changed. Myles Garrett broke the bank earlier this offseason when he inked a deal with the Cleveland Browns that pays him an average of $40 million annually, $12 million more per year than Watt's been making on his current deal. As of now, Watt is due to make $21.05 million in 2025, per Pelissero. Searching for a new contract, Watt skipped voluntary OTAs and then mandatory minicamp, the latter of which ran from June 10-12. At that time last month, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Watt's contract talks had not progressed. Advertisement Watt, a 2017 first-round pick of the Steelers, has 108 career sacks. That's more 5.5 more than Garrett and the sixth most among active NFL players. He's recorded double-digit sacks and, according to Pro Football Focus, 50-plus pressures in all but two of his eight seasons in the league. In 2024, the University of Wisconsin product tallied 11.5 sacks, 61 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles and four passes defended. Watt has been the backbone of a defense that, for years, has kept Pittsburgh afloat in the AFC North despite the team's underachieving offenses. Each of the last four seasons, the Steelers have ranked no higher than 16th in the NFL in points per game. Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. The franchise is looking to finally get over the hump in 2025, hence why it's added a collection of veterans this offseason: quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf, cornerback Darius Slay Jr. and now Ramsey and Smith, too. Watt is expected to join them eventually, but that reportedly won't stop other teams from inquiring about his availability, especially after Monday's trade.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Titans Should Avoid Trading for All-Pro Edge Rusher
Titans Should Avoid Trading for All-Pro Edge Rusher originally appeared on Athlon Sports. 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.
