It’s the draft-day regret that still haunts Green Bay. In 2017, the Packers passed on hometown hero TJ Watt—opting instead to trade down and select Kevin King. Since then, Watt has racked up Defensive Player of the Year honors, shattered records, and cemented himself as one of the NFL’s most dominant pass-rushers. King? Long gone. The mistake? Etched into Packers’ folklore.
But what if there was a second chance?
In recent weeks, speculation has exploded over a potential blockbuster trade that would send Watt to Green Bay. Fueling the fire was a cryptic Instagram post Watt shared in April 2025, where he captioned a photo of himself walking away from Heinz Field with a simple, heart-wrenching: “Sometimes… goodbye is the only way.”
To Steelers fans, it sparked concern. To Packers Nation, it ignited hope.
According to Bovada, the Green Bay Packers are now among the betting favorites to land Watt if Pittsburgh decides to shop him. And while no official talks have been confirmed, multiple league insiders suggest that “quiet conversations” are underway between both front offices.
A Defense in Desperate Need
Let’s be blunt—Green Bay needs help. Their defense in 2024 was inconsistent, underpowered, and lacked the kind of relentless pressure that wins playoff games. Despite Rashan Gary’s breakout performances, the Packers finished with just 43 sacks and struggled to force turnovers. The addition of Watt—who has tallied 108 sacks in just 121 games—would be nothing short of transformational.
Watt doesn’t just rush the passer. He disrupts game plans. He terrifies quarterbacks. And he does it with the kind of energy that could awaken a dormant defense into championship form.
“There’s no doubt about it—adding Watt to this roster puts Green Bay in Super Bowl conversations immediately,” said one NFC scout. “It’s not just a good fit. It’s the right one.”
A Homecoming Written in the Stars?
Born in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Starred at the University of Wisconsin. Grew up dreaming of playing at Lambeau Field. Watt isn’t just a perfect football fit—he’s a spiritual one.
In 2017, Watt told reporters he thought being drafted by the Packers was a “real possibility.” That moment never came. But now, it just might.
Imagine the scene: Watt runs onto Lambeau turf wearing green and gold, the crowd erupting in deafening applause. Brothers and Badgers fans in the stands. Cheeseheads roaring. The past forgiven. The future rewritten.
This wouldn’t just be a trade. It would be a redemption arc.
The Fans Demand It
Social media has become a battleground of emotions. Hashtags like #WattToGreenBay and #FixTheMistake are trending. Fans are calling this a “dream scenario”—a rare chance for the Packers to right a generational wrong.
“Trading for TJ would heal something we’ve all felt for years,” wrote one fan on X. “He belongs here. He always has.”
Gutekunst’s Moment of Truth
General Manager Brian Gutekunst has made no secret of his desire to bring another Lombardi Trophy to Titletown. He’s rebuilt through the draft, invested in youth, and banked on development. But sometimes, a bold move is what it takes.
Acquiring Watt wouldn’t just send a message—it would etch Gutekunst’s name into Packers history. And perhaps, finally, bring closure to a draft-day scar that never fully healed.
Nothing is official. Yet. But if the Steelers open the door—Green Bay must sprint through it.
Because some stories aren’t just about football. They’re about coming home. About unfinished business.
And this time… the Packers can make it right.
