The NFL offseason has been unusually quiet so far, with no blockbuster trades or headline-grabbing signings through the first two weeks of January 2026. While that calm may not last, it has forced fans and analysts alike to read between the lines — and one set of comments from Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt may have done exactly that.

Following yet another first-round playoff exit, Watt was blunt when asked what needs to change for Pittsburgh to find postseason success.

“I haven’t had the answer for a long time, so don’t ask me.”

Those words sounded less like frustration in the moment and more like a player reaching his breaking point.

With the Steelers now moving on from longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, the franchise appears to be entering a transitional — if not rebuilding — phase. And if that’s the case, one question naturally follows:

Could T.J. Watt be available — and should the Detroit Lions be paying close attention?

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Lions Should Monitor T.J. Watt Trade Possibility Closely

If the Steelers do decide to reset, trading Watt would be the fastest way to acquire draft capital and young talent. For the Lions, that scenario presents a rare opportunity to pair Aidan Hutchinson with one of the most dominant edge rushers of the past decade.

Detroit would almost certainly need to get creative with compensation. A first-round pick alone may not be realistic, but a package centered around two second-round picks plus a starting-caliber defender could get serious consideration.

One hypothetical framework could include:

Two second-round picks

Defensive tackle Alim McNeill

In exchange for T.J. Watt

According to Over the Cap, such a deal would still grade out as a win for Detroit, even with the Lions absorbing roughly $2 million more in salary under Watt’s contract.

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Why the Lions Could Afford the Cost

McNeill remains a solid starter, but his 2025 season showed signs of diminished explosiveness as he worked back from injury. While still valuable, he may be the type of movable asset Detroit would be willing to include in a win-now move.

That said, Pittsburgh could push back and demand a first-round pick, or a combination of a second-rounder, future pick, and McNeill. Even so, the Lions would have to seriously consider it.

Watt’s production remains elite:

7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions in 2025

11.5 sacks in 2024

Under contract through 2028

Adding Watt would instantly upgrade Detroit’s pass rush and give Hutchinson the best edge partner of his career — far beyond a short-term replacement like Al-Quadin Muhammad.

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A Perfect Fit for Detroit’s Window

The Lions are closer to true contention than their 2025 finish suggests. With a strong core already in place, Detroit appears to be one or two key additions away from re-entering the Super Bowl conversation.

A motivated T.J. Watt competing in the NFC North — on a team built to win now — could be exactly the missing piece.

Whether or not a trade materializes, Watt’s comments make one thing clear: Detroit should keep this situation firmly on its radar as the offseason unfolds.