According to Spotrac's figures, the Steelers will have about $97.3 million in cap space next offseason (fourth-most in the NFL). Even with some of that space needing to go towards the quarterback position with Aaron Rodgers only signed through 2026, they should have enough flexibility to work a Watt extension in.

Watt, who is in the final season of a four-year $112 million deal, has proven to be a valuable player, racking up 462 tackles, 126 tackles for loss, 108 sacks, six forced fumbles and 304 pressures in eight seasons with the Steelers.

The trade marks the third time since at least 2002 that players who had previously been All-Pros were traded for each other.