As hard as it is to believe with a team that just traded for expensive cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still at a contract impasse with superstar outside linebacker T.J. Watt.

Watt's unhappiness with his contract and the subsequent Ramsey trade may increase outside interest in a trade for the elite pass-rusher, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

For a team seemingly pushing all the chips in on 2025, it would feel bizarre for the Steelers to trade Watt away at this point in the offseason. However, fierce contract disputes can spill over into some outrageous outcomes.

If the Steelers don't have any interest in paying Watt, it's definitely possible he's the next NFL star on the trade block. Let's analyze five teams that would make sense for the ferocious veteran outside linebacker.

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is shown during the first quarter of their game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The Packers are trying to contend for a Super Bowl, and Watt is exactly the player Green Bay needs to really assert itself as formidable threats in the NFC. Adding Watt as a bookend rusher with defensive end Rashan Gary would put NFC North quarterbacks on notice. That would be an unreal coup for the Packers at this point, and the team has the cap space to sign Watt to a deal of his choosing. Returning Watt to Wisconsin (where he played college ball) would be a fun way for the pass-rusher's career to end. Green Bay could also send its 2023 first-round defensive end Lukas Van Ness back to Pittsburgh to make this trade feasible for the Steelers.

Possible Trade: Watt to Green Bay for a 2026 second-round pick and Van Ness

Tennessee Titans

Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Titans probably wouldn't be Watt's first pick from a contending standpoint, but Tennessee could back up the Brinks trucks to his driveway with a contract of his liking. The Titans could use Watt's star power on its defense during the quarterback Cam Ward era, as the team is missing an ace pass-rusher on the roster. Pittsburgh could feel good about trading Watt to Nashville and not worrying about having to see him in the AFC playoffs unless the Titans massively overachieve this fall. Watt could get a windfall in the process.

Possible Trade: Watt to Tennessee for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick

Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches a play against Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Lions are squarely in contending mode, and Detroit could get aggressive and offer Pittsburgh a first-round draft pick to get Watt playing opposite superstar defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. There aren't a lot of fits quite like this for Watt, and the Steelers could send him to the NFC while reaping back a major draft asset.

POSSIBLE TRADE: Watt to Detroit for a 2026 first-round pick

Washington Commanders

Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Commanders desperately need a player of Watt's caliber to bolster its defense for the long haul. While Washington hasn't snagged a major pass-rusher in the offseason, it could swing a trade similar to Detroit's and throw caution to the wind in pursuit of maximizing quarterback Jayden Daniels' rookie window.

POSSIBLE TRADE: Watt to Washington for a 2026 first-round pick

New England Patriots

Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Patriots are a dark horse on our list, but New England is flushed with cash and could get aggressive to speed up the team's timeline under new coach Mike Vrabel and second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Pairing Watt opposite of outside linebacker Harold Landry could give the Patriots a scary duo of starting edge rushers.

Possible Trade: Watt to Tennessee for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 third-round pick