By Josh 
A trade sending T.J. Watt to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for Deebo Samuel, Jordan Mason, and two second-round picks is certainly a blockbuster idea, but it faces several roadblocks.
Why It Could Work
- The Steelers need offensive help, and acquiring a star receiver like Deebo Samuel could give them a solid playmaker alongside George Pickens.
- Jordan Mason would add depth to Pittsburgh’s backfield, which may need a fresh face if Najee Harris departs.
- Two second-round picks would provide valuable draft capital to build for the future.
- The 49ers would get an elite pass-rusher to pair with Nick Bosa, creating one of the most dominant defensive fronts in the NFL.
Why It’s Unlikely
- T.J. Watt is 30, and while still elite, he’s entering a contract year. If Pittsburgh trades him, they’d likely want more certainty in return, such as a first-round pick.
- San Francisco already has Bosa on a massive deal, and adding another highly paid edge rusher would strain their salary cap—especially with Brock Purdy’s contract extension looming.
- The 49ers have publicly stated they’re not interested in trading Deebo Samuel.
- Watt’s contract situation complicates things—he would likely demand an extension immediately, which could put San Francisco in a financial bind for future years.
Bottom Line
While it’s a fun scenario to imagine, the trade is more of a fantasy than a likely reality. The Steelers would need significant offensive upgrades, and the 49ers would need to make major salary cap adjustments. Ultimately, it’s an exciting “what if,” but don’t expect this deal to happen.