3 hypothetical Steelers trade scenarios for QB Deshaun Watson

Trade scenario 3:

Steelers get: QB Deshaun Watson, DL J.J. Watt

Texans get: DL Stephon Tuitt, QB Mason Rudolph, 2021 1st, 2021 2nd, 2022 1st, 2022 2nd, 2023 1st

This seems like a lot of moving pieces, but this is a deal that could really play to what each team is trying to do. If the Steelers acquired Deshaun Watson, they want to win now, and adding J.J. Watt to the fold will help keep their defense elite. He would take Tuitt’s spot on the field and line up next to his brother. J.J. is 32 years old and has just one year remaining on his contract at $17.5 million, according to Over the Cap.

The Texans could Watt with a much younger defensive lineman on a good contract. Pittsburgh would also throw in Mason Rudolph just to say ‘thank you,’ and Houston could use him as a bridge quarterback next season if they please. However, the biggest thing here is the draft capital. With five additional high draft choices (including three first-rounders) the Texans would be able to put together a package to land a quarterback of their choosing in the NFL Draft.

Again, a trade of this magnitude is extremely unlikely to happen, and both teams must work around a tight cap situation this offseason. Still, it’s interesting to think about what it might cost for the Steelers to go out and get one of the best quarterbacks in the game. Even at such a steep price, any of these three deals would likely prove to be worth it for Pittsburgh.