Patriots are favorites to land $146M All-Pro in blockbuster trade after cryptic post
The New England Patriots have made big additions to their defense through free agency. Another superstar might be suddenly available through trade.
The Patriots signed Harold Landry III, Robert Spillane and Carlton Davis III to help improve their defense. However, after TJ Watt’s cryptic Instagram post, BetOnline has the Patriots as favorites to be his next team. Adding Watt to their already revamped defense could make them playoff contenders in Mike Vrabel’s first season.
The Patriots are +300 to land the superstar. The Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles are +400 and +500, respectively. Watt posted a picture of him walking off the field, throwing up a peace sign, in a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey. The picture came with no caption, but many are speculating it has to do with his contract.
Watt will be a free agent after this season and could be looking for an extension. Watt has been a Pro Bowler in each of the last seven seasons. He is a four-time First Team All-Pro as well. Last season he had 11.5 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles. Spotrac projects him to earn a four-year, $146 million deal.
Watt signed a four-year, $112 million extension in 2021. He has been the Steelers’ best player for the last few seasons and likely wants guarantees for his future before he takes the field again.
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The Steelers just gave DK Metcalf a five-year, $150 million deal and still do not have a quarterback. Paying Watt seems to be a secondary concern, considering they need someone to lead their offense. If things get ugly in contract negotiations, Watt will quickly become a hot commodity on the trade block.
The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year would instantly make the Patriots’ defense better. Unlike the Steelers, the Patriots have a young Pro Bowl quarterback and are ready to compete right now.
