The Detroit Lions boast one of the league’s best rosters, but there is still a glaring hole at edge rusher that must be filled before the 2025 campaign.
Outside of Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions don’t have a starting-caliber player in the edge rusher group, as they have failed to replace Za’Darius Smith after releasing the veteran pass rusher in March.
Detroit could look to address the need by bringing back Smith, but For the Win’s Cory Woodroof proposes a trade that would land the Lions superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2026 first-round pick.
“The Lions are squarely in contending mode, and Detroit could get aggressive and offer Pittsburgh a first-round draft pick to get Watt playing opposite superstar defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. There aren’t a lot of fits quite like this for Watt, and the Steelers could send him to the NFC while reaping back a major draft asset,” Woodroof wrote.
Watt is seeking a new contract from the Steelers, but negotiations have hit a wall, and the seven-time Pro Bowler is unhappy with his current contract situation.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that teams have been discussing the possibility of trading for Watt. Though Pittsburgh has no intentions of moving on from their franchise cornerstone, Schefter added that the chances of Watt getting traded have risen.
If the Steelers change their minds and are willing to trade Watt, Detroit should go all-in and try to acquire him. The future Hall of Fame pass rusher would form an unstoppable duo with Hutchinson and elevate the Lions into the overwhelming NFC favorite.
Trading for Watt will likely cost a first-round pick and more, and the 30-year-old also needs a new contract. It will be tough for Detroit to acquire Watt and give him a lucrative extension, as Hutchinson is also eligible for a new deal.
However, the Lions are in their Super Bowl window right now, so general manager Brad Holmes should worry about money later and try to add Watt for a hopeful championship run in 2025.
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