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Could Detroit Really Land T.J. Watt?
You’re sitting on $40 million in cap space. Your defense is trending up. Your head coach looks like he eats barbed wire for breakfast. And suddenly… T.J. Watt might be available? Dan Campbell, please — now is not the time to play it cool.
Word is out: the Steelers might be gearing up to part with Watt after a blockbuster deal that sent Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh and Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami. Watt, meanwhile, skipped minicamp and wants an extension. Translation? He’s not happy — and Detroit should be first in line with a bouquet of cash and a Super Bowl vision.
Detroit Has the Money. And the Motive.
The Lions have $40 million in cap space for 2025, and it jumps to $54 million soon after. That’s more than enough room to extend Watt and make Aidan Hutchinson a rich man down the line. Creative cap gymnastics are a front office hobby at this point — just ask the Saints.
The pairing of Watt and Hutchinson on the edge would instantly become the NFL’s most feared duo. Since 2020, Watt has 73.5 sacks (yes, you read that right). He’s a seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-Team All-Pro, and a certified menace. Stick him opposite Hutch and NFC North quarterbacks might suddenly consider new careers.
Why This Matters Now
The Lions aren’t rebuilding anymore. They’re reloading. They’ve gone from loveable underdogs to legit contenders, but great teams push their chips in when the window opens.
Right now, Detroit’s window is wide open — and Watt could be the gust of wind that slams it shut on everyone else.
The Steelers may not want to trade him, but money talks. And if Brad Holmes dials up the right offer — one that Pittsburgh can’t ignore — this thing could happen.
Final Word: Don’t Let This Be Another “What If”
Every great era has a signature moment. For the Rams, it was trading for Stafford. For the 49ers, it was going all-in on McCaffrey. For Detroit?
It could be this: calling Pittsburgh and bringing T.J. Watt to the Motor City.
Let’s make that nightmare for the rest of the NFC a reality.