T.J. Watt is unhappy with his contract with the Steelers, and several teams are positioning themselves.

Since his NFL debut eight years ago, T.J. Watt has been one of the best defenders in the league. The 30-year-old is now entering the final year of his current contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is looking for a new top deal.

The seven-time Pro Bowler is said to be demanding a package worth around $160 million, based on Myles Garrett’s record contract with the Cleveland Browns.

However, talks with the Steelers have been tough so far. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the linebacker is increasingly dissatisfied, which has apparently increased interest from other teams.

Green Bay Packers

For Watt, a move to the Green Bay Packers would not only make sense from a sporting perspective: the pass rusher hails from Wisconsin, played for the Wisconsin Badgers for four years in college and would certainly meet many fans in Green Bay who know him from his college days.

But a move would also be more than attractive for both sides from a sporting perspective: in Rashan Gary, the Packers have an established pass rusher who could form a real elite duo on the defensive front alongside Watt.

Financially, a deal would also be feasible: the Packers have around $35 million in cap space available for the coming season. That’s enough to accommodate Watt’s contract demands.

Last season, Green Bay lost in the playoffs to the eventual champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. Now they want to strike again – and Watt would be a clear statement of their title ambitions.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders were the big surprise of last season. Washington got the franchise quarterback they wanted in the draft with Jayden Daniels – and he delivered immediately. The rookie led the team sensationally to the NFC Championship Game and suddenly turned one of the weakest teams of recent years into a serious contender.

The franchise now wants to make the most of this window. Washington already made a statement last offseason when they snapped up star cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Even though he hasn’t been able to hit the ground running yet, the deal shows that the Commanders are now hungry for wins.

And the next logical step would be to strengthen the pass rush: the departure of Dante Fowler Jr., last season’s best sack artist, has left a gap. T.J. Watt could not only fill it, but take it to a whole new level.

Financially, the scenario is also realistic: Washington has enough cap space in the coming years to afford a star like Watt. And given the clear “win now” strategy, the move would fit perfectly into the picture.

Philadelphia Eagles

One team that is almost always mentioned in such scenarios: the Philadelphia Eagles. General manager Howie Roseman is known for going after big names. And from a purely sporting perspective, there are several reasons to have T.J. Watt on the radar.

The Eagles lost some power in their pass rush during the offseason: Josh Sweat went to Arizona, Milton Williams landed with the Patriots, and Brandon Graham ended his career. An experienced pro like Watt would immediately make the defensive front a different caliber, especially in combination with Jalen Carter.

With over $30 million in cap space, the Eagles would also have the financial means to make such a deal happen. Watt would fit perfectly into defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s system tactically and could also help keep the Super Bowl window open.

Los Angeles Rams

What Howie Roseman can do, Les Snead can do too: The Rams GM is also not exactly known for being shy when it comes to bringing stars into the team.

The Rams landed a pass rush hit in the draft with Jared Verse. The Defensive Rookie of the Year is set to become the face of the new D-line in the long term – and an established star like T.J. Watt could not only benefit his development, but also form one of the most dangerous defensive duos in the league.

The Rams have also committed to Matthew Stafford as their quarterback. He is already 37 years old, so the message is clear: Los Angeles wants to win now. Watt would not only be a real upgrade in terms of athleticism, but also send a signal to the rest of the league that the Rams are still a force to be reckoned with.

Detroit Lions

In Aidan Hutchinson, the Detroit Lions already have one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. But on the opposite side, Detroit lacks a real game changer. T.J. Watt would not only fill that gap, but together with Hutchinson, they would form one of the strongest duos in the NFL.

Of course, Hutchinson is also due for a new mega contract soon. But with over $40 million in cap space for the upcoming season, the Lions would have all the resources to make a Watt deal happen this offseason.

It’s no secret that Detroit would like to have a second edge star. Last season, they signed Za’Darius Smith, who was solid but has already been released. However, for a player of T.J. Watt’s caliber, the front office is likely to throw a lot more into the mix.