One man’s misfortune is often another’s opportunity, at least that’s what teams around the league, including the Buffalo Bills, are thinking after the Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin parted ways on Tuesday.
For the first time in 19 years, the Steelers are set to undergo tremendous change, and with a new coach and quarterback set to restart the franchise in 2026, some pieces may become available that once were believed to be unattainable.
That’s where the Bills could strike this offseason. After another season passed by All-Pro pass rusher T.J. Watt without a postseason win, he could be looking for a change of scenery, too.
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Certainly, the Steelers have given no indication of what Watt’s future with the franchise holds. He’s a legend in the Steel City and a cornerstone veteran to build around with the new coaching regime.
However, after the Steelers’ loss to the Houston Texans on Monday night, Watt’s dejected response to the game’s outcome is what has some Steelers worried that their top player has seen enough dysfunction in his career.
"I haven't had the answer for a long time, so don't ask me," Watt said in response to a question after the Steelers' loss, asking about what needs to change for Pittsburgh to find playoff success once again.
Tomlin made the first change the Steelers needed when he decided to step down from the position he held for 19 non-losing seasons. But with that change comes the opportunity for more change.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers need a quarterback, which means they need ammunition to trade up in this year’s thin passing class. Watt, 31, would be worth a first-round pick and some change for the Bills' defense, especially if they lose Joey Bosa to free agency.
Watt wasn’t much more productive than Bosa, finishing with just seven sacks to Bosa’s five. But in a new scheme, playing alongside Ed Oliver and opposite Greg Rousseau, Watt could reignite his high-level production in Buffalo that made him the Steelers’ all-time leader in sacks.
Of course, Watt is the league’s third-highest-paid pass rusher, and he’s under contract until 2028 with $64 million in guaranteed money remaining on his deal and another $85 million in base salary. General manager Brandon Beane would have to work a bit of magic in the spreadsheets to make the numbers add up properly, but if the Bills can offer up something the Steelers can’t refuse, Sean McDermott’s defense could reach new heights with Watt on the edge.
Naturally, this is nothing more than an opportunity for the Bills. Once the Steelers find their new head coach, how the franchise goes about redefining its future under new leadership will let Bills Mafia know how good their chances are to make a game-changing trade this offseason.