On July 4, 2025, the Tennessee Titans are reportedly pursuing a blockbuster trade for Steelers star T.J. Watt. Can they land him to replace Harold Landry III?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Happy Fourth of July, Titans fans! While the fireworks in the sky are expected, the Tennessee Titans front office might be preparing some of their own. Reports surfaced Friday that the team is actively pursuing a blockbuster trade for Pittsburgh Steelers superstar linebacker T.J. Watt, a move that would fundamentally reshape the team's defense and signal an aggressive, win-now approach for the 2025 season.
The Titans could back up the Brinks trucks to his driveway with a contract of his liking.
After the departure of Harold Landry III, the Titans have a massive hole to fill in their pass rush, and it appears they are aiming for the ultimate replacement. The team is reportedly willing to offer significant draft capital to Pittsburgh to acquire the former Defensive Player of the Year. The financial commitment would be just as massive. As analyst Cory Woodroof put it, 'The Titans could back up the Brinks trucks to his driveway with a contract of his liking.' Acquiring a player of Watt's caliber would instantly elevate the entire defensive unit and provide a fearsome bookend opposite the team's young rushers.
The potential pursuit of Watt comes as the Titans grapple with significant injury concerns. The latest report lists several starters as questionable for the Week 1 opener in Denver, including key acquisitions CB L'Jarius Sneed (quadriceps), C Lloyd Cushenberry (Achilles), and OG Kevin Zeitler (hamstring). However, Sneed himself provided a dose of optimism, declaring his readiness for the season. 'I'm healthy. I'm healthy as I've been,' Sneed stated recently. 'I missed the whole year and have to remind everybody who L'Jarius Sneed is.' A healthy Sneed in the secondary and a motivated Watt up front would be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
While the team eyes veteran superstars, they've also invested heavily in youth. The 2025 draft class, headlined by first-round quarterback Cam Ward, is expected to make an impact. Defensively, second-round pick DE Olu Oladejo from UCLA will be counted on to bolster the pass rush, while third-round safety Kevin Winston from Penn State was seen as a solid addition before his injury landed him on the 'out' list for Week 1. These rookies represent the future, but the Watt rumors show the Titans are just as focused on winning in the present.
This holiday weekend may be quiet on the field, but it's anything but in the Titans' front office. The pursuit of T.J. Watt is a tantalizing prospect that could define the team's 2025 season. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on two things: the health of the current roster and whether a blockbuster trade materializes. The next few weeks could determine if the Titans are true contenders or a team still in transition.
