Steelers Great Ben Roethlisberger Gives Honest Opinion On Trading TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick And George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers had the most expensive defense during the 2024 NFL season. This doesn't mean they entirely ignored their offense, as they used their last four first-round picks on offensive players. However, the offense had suffered from a lack of weapons, especially since they failed to replace Diontae Johnson after trading him. That left George Pickens as the primary target, followed by several depth pieces. Since the season went up in flames during the last four weeks, there has been talk about what they should do with Pickens. Some believe that they should trade the team's best and most valuable players to be able to get draft capital to obtain other new weapons. 

Some players most often suggested as trade fodder are Pickens, TJ Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Recently, former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger talked about what the team should do with Pickens on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. He said they have a few options with Pickens, but believes they should decide quickly what to do with him. He said if they are not offering him an extension on his rookie contract, they might want to go ahead and make the trade. Pickens' behavior has been erratic at best, and numerous people have raised concerns about his demeanor if he doesn't have any security. Roethlisberger also mentioned that they could franchise tag him or let him play out his final year and become a free agent. He said he is not on board with some of the other trades that are being suggested.    

"The Steelers have to invest in the offense this offseason," explained Roethlisberger. "I know people are talking about - does that mean you are trading Minkah? Are you trading TJ? What are you doing there? I don't know that I agree with that. I'm telling you, that's what people are talking about. I wouldn't get rid of him. I don't think that's the right move. I think you can move on from George and get something for him."

Watt, who just wrapped up his eighth season, has been a consistent defensive leader in the league. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, a four-time First Team All-Pro, and a seven-time Pro Bowler. He led the league in forced fumbles twice and was the sack leader three seasons in a row, tying Michael Strahan's single-season sack record with 22.5 in 2021.

Roethlisberger said he understands that some fans want to see Watt go to a team where he has a real shot at winning a Super Bowl before his career is over, but he doesn't think it is in the Steelers' best interests. The Steelers' record may have been the same to finish out the 2024 season, and they may have lost their sixth playoff game in a row, but there were visible improvements. The team achieved more in 2024 than many thought they would heading into the season. 

Steelers' TJ Watt And Minkah Fitzpatrick Take On Unfair Criticism 

Watt wasn't as productive as people hoped and seemed to decline as the season progressed, and he almost seemed to be a non-factor. This has fueled the push to trade him while he still has value. However, he suffered an ankle injury in Week 15, and while he didn't miss any games, it likely didn't help that it aligned with their compressed schedule. However, after the season ended, word leaked that Watt may have been playing through multiple injuries. 

Fitzpatrick is another player who has been taking a lot of the blame for what went wrong on the defense. Once a splashy playmaker, Fitzpatrick went through a long dry spell without an interception. He finally made one in Week 15. However, that was only one all season, while in 2022, he made six. Fitzpatrick has seen his role shift on the team as they have fought through changes and injuries. This has led to him taking the blame for mistakes made by his teammates. 

Do you think the Steelers should trade Fitzpatrick or Watt? Click to comment below. 

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