Let’s just call it what it is—trading T.J. Watt would be absolutely insane. In my opinion, it would be one of the worst moves the Steelers could make. Since entering the league in 2017, Watt’s been way more than just consistent—he’s been special. A generational talent with 108 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, and 7 interceptions, he’s not just filling up the stat sheet—he’s redefining what dominance looks like on defense.

And it’s not just about the numbers. Watt is a straight-up game-wrecker. Every single offense in the league knows it. Ask any coach, coordinator, or offensive lineman who has to prepare for the Steelers, and they’ll all say the same thing: job No. 1 is slowing down T.J. Watt. He demands double teams, triple teams, chip blocks—you name it. Entire game plans are built around containing him. That kind of impact? It’s rare.

Yeah, he’s going to be 31 this season. And sure, his next contract might push $40 million a year. But guess what? That’s the price of greatness. You don’t shortchange a future Hall of Famer who’s still playing at an elite level. Even last season, without his usual sack numbers, Watt was arguably the best run defender in the league and still led the NFL with six forced fumbles. His motor never stops. His football IQ is through the roof. His leadership? Off the charts. Stuff like that doesn’t always show up in the box score—but it wins games.

Now, I’ve seen some fans say, “Well, we haven’t even won a playoff game with him.” Okay, fair. But let’s flip that—do we even make the playoffs without him? Probably not. Since Watt was drafted, the Steelers have only won one game without him in the lineup. One. That’s wild. Outside of a franchise quarterback, I can’t think of many players who have that kind of impact on wins and losses.

Still, some people are hesitant. They worry about his age, the salary cap, and long-term planning. But here’s the thing: you don’t just go out and find another T.J. Watt. You could have five first-round picks and still not land a player of his caliber. We’ve seen it time and time again—highly touted prospects who never live up to expectations. Watt, on the other hand, is a sure thing. He’s proven. He’s battle-tested. He’s respected. He’s HIM.

And even now, Watt is continuing to evolve. He’s made it clear—he’s willing to adapt, improve, and do whatever it takes to keep making plays. That’s the kind of guy you build around, not trade away. He’s been a rock for this team, a leader in the locker room, and someone who represents everything the Steelers stand for.

And let’s be real—if you trade someone like Watt while he’s still got gas in the tank, what kind of message does that send to the rest of the team? That loyalty doesn’t matter? That elite production isn’t enough? That leadership isn’t valued? No thanks.

You don’t trade away greatness while they’re still great and just hope you can find it again. You ride with it. You pay it. You appreciate it. And you thank your lucky stars that T.J. Watt wears black and gold—because there’s not another one like him.