Eagles Fans Tempted by T.J. Watt Trade Rumors but Reality Says Otherwise originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The rumor mill never stops churning in Philadelphia, and the latest whispers have Eagles fans salivating over the possibility of acquiring T.J. Watt from Pittsburgh.
With the Steelers star reportedly unhappy about his contract situation, it's easy to get caught up in the fantasy of watching one of the NFL's most dominant pass rushers don midnight green.But here's the cold, hard truth: trading Nolan Smith for T.J.
Watt would be organizational malpractice of the highest order.Yes, Watt is a generational talent and future Hall of Famer. But the Eagles have something far more valuable – a 24-year-old pass rusher who's just scratching the surface of his potential.
Smith's playoff breakout last season wasn't a fluke. It was a coming-out party for a player who showed up in the biggest moments when the lights were brightest.The financial mathematics alone should end any serious discussion about this trade.
The Eagles are already staring down brutal contract decisions with Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and other young stars needing extensions. Adding Watt's market-resetting demands would force Philadelphia to choose between keeping their young defensive core together or paying one aging superstar. That's not a choice a smart organization should ever have to make.
The age factor can't be ignored either. Watt will be 31 when the season starts, while Smith is entering what should .