T. J. Watt and Terry McLaurin have spent their entire NFL careers with one team each: Watt with the Pittsburgh Steelers for eight seasons, and McLaurin with the Washington Commanders for six seasons. Both players are widely regarded as top performers at their positions and are currently seeking significant new contracts before the 2025 NFL season begins.
Trade Proposal Between Two Star Players Surfaces
Veteran NFL reporter Curt Popejoy recently suggested the Steelers consider trading T. J. Watt for Terry McLaurin. Popejoy highlighted that Watt and McLaurin rank among the best at their respective positions and have always been reliable, professional players for their franchises. According to Popejoy, both teams could benefit greatly from adding the other star to their roster.
Popejoy emphasized that McLaurin would complement Seattle Pro Bowler DK Metcalf, tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith on the Steelers’ offense. Simultaneously, Watt would significantly boost the Commanders’ pass rush, becoming their most dominant edge rusher by a wide margin.
“(T. J.) Watt and (Terry) McLaurin are both among the best at their respective positions, they’ve never been a problem for either of their franchises, and are both consummate professionals.” —Curt Popejoy, NFL Reporter
“In addition, both franchises could benefit from adding the other to the active roster. (Terry) McLaurin would be a perfect pairing with fellow Pro Bowler DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith and (T. J.) Watt instantly becomes the Commanders best edge rusher by a mile.” —Curt Popejoy, NFL Reporter
Trade Speculation Faces Realistic Challenges
Despite the appeal of such a swap, Popejoy acknowledged the low probability of this trade actually happening. With the NFL offseason winding down and training camp approaching, the Steelers are unlikely to make another major move before their roster is finalized. Still, Popejoy suggested revisiting the idea later in the season to see if Pittsburgh may have missed an opportunity.
“Will this trade (Watt for McLaurin) happen? Of course it won’t. Despite a huge and active offseason by the Pittsburgh Steelers we don’t expect one more big trade before training camp. But this is a hypothetical we can revisit at the end of the campaign to see if Pittsburgh missed the mark.” —Curt Popejoy, NFL Reporter
With less than two months until the regular season opener, contract uncertainties surrounding both Watt and McLaurin remain critical issues. Both are key contributors to their teams who want to secure new deals, and resolving these situations swiftly will improve their teams’ chances to compete in the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: The Future for T. J. Watt and Terry McLaurin
T. J. Watt, a standout from the University of Wisconsin, has been a cornerstone for the Steelers since 2016. His accolades include a Defensive Player of the Year Award, multiple first- and second-team All-Pro selections, seven Pro Bowls, and three Deacon Jones Awards, establishing him as Pittsburgh’s premier defender and arguably the franchise’s most vital player. Watt is now negotiating a deal expected to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, with the Steelers needing to decide whether to meet his demands or entertain potential trades.
On the other side, Terry McLaurin has emerged as one of the most reliable wide receivers since entering the league in 2019. Except for his rookie year, McLaurin has consistently approached or surpassed 1,000 receiving yards annually, producing solid numbers despite Washington’s instability at the quarterback position. The Ohio State product and the Commanders are expected to work toward a new contract agreement before the next campaign begins.
Implications of Contract Talks and Potential Trade Noise
Both players’ contract situations are pivotal for their teams’ postseason ambitions. Failure to reach agreements could impact team chemistry or lead to roster changes that alter the competitive landscape. While a McLaurin-for-Watt trade remains improbable, discussions like these signify the ongoing pressures teams face to balance talent, salary cap, and roster needs. With the start of the regular season imminent, Steelers and Commanders fans will closely watch how these contract negotiations unfold, as they may shape the NFL’s playoff races this year.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Terry McLaurin wear 17?
A. Terry McLaurin, a receiver, chose the number 17. He wanted to use 83, like he did at Ohio State, but Brian Quick already had it. Other numbers he considered were 80 and 17.
Q. Why is Terry McLaurin so good?
A. Coaches, analysts, and competitors note that what makes him unique is a skill they consider unteachable. He developed it years ago as a center fielder. This ability often shows up before he appears on TV. McLaurin’s standout skill involves following the ball, predicting its path, and catching it.