As trade rumors could swirl this offseason, Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher TJ Watt is skipping mandatory camp this week. According to several reports, Watt was a “no show” on the first day of minicamp, even though head coach Mike Tomlin has no worries since he claims that both are working on a new contract. Originally selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Wisconsin product has become one of the best ever pass rushers in the league, so it will be no surprise if he sits out practice until he receives a new deal. Typically, once a player is absent from at least one mandatory camp, that will likely mean this will be the case for the rest of the week.
It wasn’t too long that Watt teased he was going to probably request a trade amid the stalled contract talks after he took to his social media page to post a “peace” sign. This could’ve meant anything, but it was interesting that this happened during the contract negotiations that are still going on. Even though Tomlin has no worries, this doesn’t mean the Steelers shouldn’t rush to offer a new deal. After leading three seasons in the league of other pass-rushers in sacks and becoming the second fastest to reach 100 sacks, Watt will likely demand a deal that is a blockbuster one.
It’s the same case for another explosive pass-rusher like Trey Hendrickson, who is also skipping camp this offseason. It’ll be interesting to see which team ends up offering a deal first to their best defensive player, but if the Steelers decide to trade Watt, these three teams could pursue him.
Report: Steelers Superstar TJ Watt “Skips” Mandatory Camp, Trade Could Be Likely?
3 Potential Destinations
Carolina Panthers
Following two back-to-back disastrous seasons, it seems like the Carolina Panthers finally have new life coming in, and it might be promising. Even though the team is still far from postseason contention, the Panthers could easily bolster the entire roster and add a few superstar players to make themselves known in the NFC. Quarterback Bryce Young has the right weapons and backfield to lead the offense to a possible winning record, but they’re hoping that the defense can replicate the same energy. After signing Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown this offseason, the Panthers are loaded with weapons for Derrick Brown’s return.
However, they must do something to address the pass-rushing unit. They’re fine with the talent they have now, but since they released Jadeveon Clowney, they have to find a long-term replacement. Watt might not make it to the postseason in his first year with the Panthers, but he could change around this team’s attitude for a winning culture in terms of their defense.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints couldn’t mortgage much of their future due to salary incapacity, but they still have a shot to compete in a potential wild-card round. No matter if Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler starts, as long as they have a capable defense, they may have some sort of life. Pairing Watt with Carl Granderson could give the Saints the upgrade they need to help Cameron Jordan and Chase Young make their strides to keep the team alive.
Washington Commanders
The offense was explosive with the undertaking of quarterback Jayden Daniels, and now with a new blueprint, they will be even more on fire as long as they can sign Terry McLaurin to a new contract. Whatever happens there, the defense was nothing special last year. Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner had their moments, but since they lost Dante Fowler Jr., they will have to find a somewhat close replacement to him, since he led the team in sacks. Watt is the perfect match for this defense and could turn this organization into a well-rounded team.
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