By Sunday 
Every offseason has that one trade idea that blows up group chats, sports radio, and Twitter timelines—and this year, it’s Detroit’s turn in the hot seat. A recent pitch floating through NFL media has Lions fans raising eyebrows and gripping their draft picks a little tighter.
Watt a Proposal
93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi sparked the firestorm when he floated a question to Pittsburgh Steelers fans on Twitter: “Would you trade T.J. Watt to the Detroit Lions for Jameson Williams, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick?”
Now, on the surface, that may sound like a fair price for a proven star like Watt. But when you dig a little deeper, the math gets murky.
Too Much for Too Late?
There’s no denying Watt’s pedigree. He’s a Defensive Player of the Year, a multi-time All-Pro, and still a menace on the edge. But here’s the thing: he’s turning 31 this season, and any team trading for him would likely be on the hook for a massive contract extension.
That’s where the red flags start waving.
Detroit has already built a young, ascending roster—with back-to-back NFC North titles to show for it. Giving up a high-upside receiver like Jameson Williams plus two valuable picks for a player entering the back end of his prime? That’s a steep toll, even for someone as disruptive as Watt.
Is This a Real Possibility?
To be clear, this is all hypothetical. There’s no real smoke linking Watt to Detroit—at least not yet. But trade season thrives on speculation, and this one’s got enough heat to light up a message board for days.
And while the Lions have indeed been hunting for pass rush help, the idea that they’d mortgage this much future capital for a short-term splash seems out of step with how GM Brad Holmes has operated so far.
Detroit’s Not Desperate
Sure, the Lions could use another elite pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. But desperation? That’s not the vibe in Allen Park. With a deep defensive line rotation and some promising youth, Detroit seems more likely to find a smart value play—or let their current group grow into the role.
Watt would be a luxury, not a necessity. And when you’re building toward sustained success, luxuries have to come at the right price.
So if this deal ever actually makes it to Brad Holmes’ desk? He’s probably not even picking up the phone.