Eagles Reportedly Eyeing Blockbuster Trade for Steelers Star Defender

Philadelphia could part with a first-round pick to acquire All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:40pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player in the midst of a pass rush, with sharp planes of green, black, and gold colors representing the Eagles and Steelers uniforms.A cubist interpretation of a star pass rusher's explosive pursuit of the quarterback, as the Eagles and Steelers explore a blockbuster trade.Today in Pittsburgh

According to NFL reporter Gary Davenport, the Philadelphia Eagles are a logical landing spot for Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt. Davenport suggests the Eagles would need to offer at least a first-round pick to acquire the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, who is coming off an injury-shortened season but has been one of the league's most dominant defenders.

Why it matters

The Eagles are looking to bolster their pass rush after losing key defensive pieces in free agency, and adding a player of Watt's caliber could significantly improve their chances of making a deep playoff run. However, trading a valuable first-round pick would be a major investment, so the Eagles would need to weigh the short-term impact against the long-term cost.

The details

Watt, a 31-year-old edge rusher, has been a dominant force for the Steelers, recording 115 career sacks, the most in franchise history. In 2021, he was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year after posting 22.5 sacks. However, he dealt with injuries last season, recording just 7 sacks. Despite the down year, Davenport believes Watt would still command a first-round pick in a trade, given his track record of excellence.

  • Watt recorded 22.5 sacks during the 2021-22 season, the second-highest single-season total of his career.
  • In 2022, Watt's sack total dropped to 7, the second-lowest of his career, due to injury issues.

The players

T.J. Watt

A 31-year-old edge rusher for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Watt is a 8-time Pro Bowler and the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He is the Steelers' all-time leader in career sacks with 115.

Jaelan Phillips

A defensive end who recently left the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.

Nakobe Dean

A linebacker who also departed the Eagles in free agency.

Nick Herbig

A linebacker on the Steelers' roster who could potentially replace Watt if he is traded.

Gary Davenport

An NFL journalist who reported the Eagles could be interested in trading for T.J. Watt.

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What they’re saying

“For many Pittsburgh Steelers fans, the notion of trading edge-rusher T.J. Watt is ludicrous. The Wisconsin product has been to eight Pro Bowls in nine seasons, was named the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, and his 115 career sacks are the most in Steelers history.”

— Gary Davenport, NFL Journalist

“However, Watt is also a highly paid 31-year-old coming off an injury-marred season where he posted just seven sacks—tied for the second-fewest of his career. To be clear, moving Watt for anything less than a first-round pick—even with his sizable contract—would be selling low.”

— Gary Davenport, NFL Journalist

What’s next

If the Eagles and Steelers engage in trade discussions, the key next step would be determining the exact compensation package, with the Steelers likely seeking a first-round pick or high-value draft capital in return for Watt.

The takeaway

This potential trade would represent a high-stakes gamble for the Eagles, who would be sacrificing valuable draft capital to acquire an aging but still elite pass rusher in Watt. However, if the move pays off, Watt could be the missing piece that helps the Eagles make a deep playoff run and potentially contend for a Super Bowl.