The Washington Commanders are going for it in 2025 after an upstart 2024 season, and that’s why they should have their eyes on the Pittsburgh Steelers and superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt.
The Commanders have made all the right moves for the most part this offseason, but the team still has a glaring weakness at one of the most important positions: edge rusher.
Washington lost its 2024 sacks leader, Dante Fowler, to the Dallas Cowboys and have yet to adequately replace him. That is a major concern for a Commanders squad that’s gunning for a Super Bowl this coming season.
With there being contract problems in Pittsburgh between Watt and the Steelers, Last Word on Sports’ Anthony Palacio has predicted that the Commanders will make a play for the disgruntled $112 million superstar.
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.
The first sign of trouble was Watt making cryptic posts to social media earlier this offseason that suggested there were issues in contract talks with Pittsburgh. Now, Watt is holding out from mandatory minicamp, which confirms his cryptic posts were indeed over his desire for a new deal.
While we tend to believe something will eventually get done, if it doesn’t happen and Watt does not budge from his holdout, a trade would become possible.
It goes without saying that Washington should be all in on Watt if he’s made available.
A five-time All-Pro, Watt is one of the elite pass-rushers in the NFL. He’s tallied 11.5 sacks or more six times and is a seven-time Pro Bowler and former AP Defensive Player of the Year.
In terms of compensation, it’s going to cost a ton to pry Watt from the Steelers. We would suggest it could start with as much as a first-round pick and go from there.
Then, the Commanders would have to extend Watt on a deal that will likely pay him $35-$40 million annually.
While all of that is very expensive, the Commanders have the means to get it done, and the motivation to do so as the team’s Super Bowl window is wide open.
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