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Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Which playoff contenders or prospects should trade for Houston Texans star JJ Watt?
Although he remains one of the NFL’s best inside passers, JJ Watt could be traded this offseason by the Houston Texans. Despite their refusal to acknowledge the gravity of the situation, the Texans must already leave franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson, so trading Watt in a separate move could help Houston add more assets to the restart.
There is no more guaranteed money left on the six-year agreement signed by Watt in 2014, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported the Texans must make a “decision” on the 31-year-old.
Here are five teams who should call Nick Caserio and see what the Texans are looking for.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have their own tough decisions to make this offseason after veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger averaged 6.3 yards per attempted pass, holding off an offense with four legitimate pass catchers. Pittsburgh could keep Roethlisberger, if he doesn’t retire, for another year, but they should invest even more in their defense.
Last season, Pittsburgh placed third in the league in runs allowed, yards allowed and yards net per attempted pass returned. They received 34 bags from the trio of TJ Watt, Stephon Tuitt and Bud Dupree.
A Watts reunion would be a huge story, as would a defensive line containing Cameron Heyward, JJ Watt and Tuitt. They would have one of the best passing runs in the NFL with both Watts on the same side, and they could keep Heyward and JJ fresh by turning sharply on the line. It could extend the careers of two of the best 3-4 defensive ends of the era.
Pittsburgh may offer Houston a few advantages, although a signing-and-swap deal involving JuJu Smith-Schuster or Dupree would likely be criticized by the commissioner’s office. The Steelers could offer lower draft picks than the first-round level, as they don’t have pressing depth issues, especially not up front. Their defense is so good that they could add a defensive back or linebacker as part of the package to attract the Texans.
The Steelers aren’t desperate for help from the defensive line and should be careful, but by charging down the line and gaining a well-rounded presence that makes everyone even better, Pittsburgh could build a truly formidable forward seven with Watt. in the fold.
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