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With the NFL offseason in full swing, fans are turning Twitter into their own trade machine—and T.J. Watt is at the center of it all.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ All-Pro edge rusher skipped the first day of mandatory minicamp, and now speculation is heating up fast. While there’s no official word on a trade, that hasn’t stopped NFL fans from dreaming up new homes for the pass-rushing star—with one destination catching more attention than most: Detroit.
Watt Holding Out—What We Know
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Watt is officially a minicamp no-show.
“The #Steelers All-Pro edge TJ Watt, seeking a new deal, is not in attendance at mandatory minicamp,” Rapoport tweeted.
Watt, 30, is entering the final year of his contract, and talks for a long-term deal reportedly haven’t moved much. That opens the door, at least in theory, for a trade if things don’t turn around soon.
And fans? Well, they’re already ahead of the curve.
Twitter’s Trade Machine is in Overdrive
As soon as the news broke, NFL Twitter lit up with trade proposals, photoshops, and wishful thinking. From Minnesota to Chicago to Buffalo, everyone seems to have an idea of where Watt should go next. But one fan’s take went viral for its simplicity and boldness:
“Detroit Lion” — @loebsleads, June 10
It may have just been two words, but they echoed loudly across Lions fandom.
Others chimed in with their own picks:
- “Let him get a ring. Trade him to Buffalo. #BillsMafia” — @Wallyjo666
- “Welcome to Chicago! 😎” — @lordwalker_3
- “He will be on the @Vikings soon NBD” — @dielan
- “What a bum, send him to the Packers as punishment! That’ll show him” — @DaPackaholic
Why Detroit Makes Sense
The Lions are right there. After a deep playoff push last season, Detroit is firmly in win-now mode. While Aidan Hutchinson is a certified monster off the edge, the Lions could absolutely use another elite pass rusher to round out their front.
T.J. Watt logged 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and six forced fumbles in 2024. Those numbers speak for themselves. Pairing him with Hutchinson? That’s a nightmare for NFC North quarterbacks—and a dream for Lions fans.
Sure, money could be tight with Hutchinson’s extension looming, but if Detroit is serious about making a Super Bowl run, Watt could be the guy to push them over the top.
Is This Just a Dream?
Let’s be honest—Watt in a Lions jersey is still a long shot. Pittsburgh isn’t exactly in fire-sale mode, and the Steelers know what they have in Watt. But hey, crazier things have happened in the NFL offseason.
If nothing else, it’s fun to imagine T.J. Watt in Honolulu Blue, wreaking havoc alongside Hutch. And based on the online buzz, Lions fans are more than ready to welcome him with open arms.