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Could T.J. Watt Be Detroit’s Final Infinity Stone?
If the Detroit Lions are assembling their own version of the Avengers, there’s one name that could give them serious “Super Bowl or bust” energy — T.J. Watt. Yep, that T.J. Watt — the former Defensive Player of the Year and a pass-rushing nightmare.
Word around the league is that the Pittsburgh Steelers might (and that’s a very big might) be open to letting their star walk… via trade. And guess who’s been floated as a potential suitor? That’s right — the high-octane, playoff-hungry Detroit Lions.
Let’s break it down.
Lions Are in Win-Now Mode – And Everyone Knows It
The Lions aren’t here to mess around in 2025. They’ve built a juggernaut on both sides of the ball, and they’re licking their wounds after a stinging playoff exit to the Commanders last season. Losing 45–31 in the NFC Divisional round, Detroit’s defense just couldn’t stop Jayden Daniels, and their pass rush — tied for 24th in the league — didn’t exactly strike fear into opposing quarterbacks.
With Aidan Hutchinson returning from a broken leg and Za’Darius Smith still unsigned after a lukewarm stint, the need for a high-impact edge rusher is glaring.
Enter Watt.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin summed it up:
“Detroit has been sniffing around upgrades opposite Hutchinson for a while… They’re flush with 2025 salary cap space, possessing north of $40 million that could help accommodate Watt’s immediate financial desires.”
So, Why Would Pittsburgh Even Think About It?
Simple: business.
T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his four-year contract and wants a new deal that would eclipse Myles Garrett’s $40 million/year mark. At 31, that’s a major bet — even for someone with Watt’s résumé. If Pittsburgh senses he might walk in free agency, they may prefer to get something back rather than nothing.
But don’t forget — the Steelers are also going all-in this season. They’ve loaded up with Aaron Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf, and Jalen Ramsey. Losing their best defensive player mid-run? It’d be bold — maybe too bold.
Should Detroit Pull the Trigger? Or Pump the Brakes?
It’s tempting. Very tempting. But Watt isn’t without risk. He’s coming off his least productive season since his rookie year (still posting 11.5 sacks, mind you), and the Lions would likely have to surrender premium draft picks — all while preparing to give him Myles Garrett money into his mid-30s.
Also worth noting: Detroit doesn’t currently own a third- or sixth-rounder in the 2026 NFL Draft. So every remaining pick gets that much more valuable.
Still, you can feel the city’s heartbeat quicken at the thought of Hutchinson and Watt lining up opposite each other on Sundays. That’s not just a pass rush — that’s a problem for everyone else.
What’s the Verdict?
The Lions are sitting on cap space, momentum, and a real shot at greatness. If Pittsburgh picks up the phone, Brad Holmes might just answer with an offer they can’t refuse.
One thing’s for sure: if T.J. Watt ever slips on Honolulu blue, Detroit will roar louder than ever before. Use