San Francisco,Tu – April 15, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers face a pivotal offseason after a 6-11 campaign in 2024, with quarterback Brock Purdy’s contract looming as a defining issue. A bold trade proposal from ESPN analyst Chris Canty suggests swapping Purdy to the Pittsburgh Steelers for star edge rusher T.J. Watt. While purely hypothetical, the idea has ignited debate about Purdy’s value, the 49ers’ defensive needs, and the strategic direction of both franchises as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches.
Canty’s rationale hinges on roster dynamics. The 49ers, strapped for cap space after losing Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, and others, have struggled to extend Purdy, who reportedly seeks $50-55 million annually. Meanwhile, their defensive front, depleted by the departures of Javon Hargrave and Leonard Floyd, lacks a dominant complement to Nick Bosa. Watt, a former Defensive Player of the Year, could transform San Francisco’s pass rush alongside Bosa and Fred Warner, especially with Robert Saleh back as defensive coordinator.
For Pittsburgh, the trade addresses their quarterback void. With Justin Fields and Russell Wilson gone, the Steelers need a long-term solution. Purdy, 25, offers a 23-13 regular-season record and Super Bowl experience, making him an intriguing fit for Mike Tomlin’s system. Canty argues Watt, in the final year of his $112 million deal, could be expendable if Pittsburgh prioritizes offensive stability over defensive stardom.
However, ESPN’s Damien Woody vehemently opposes the idea, calling it disrespectful to Purdy’s value. Purdy’s 2024 stats—3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, 12 interceptions—reflect resilience despite injuries to Christian McCaffrey and an aging offensive line. Woody argues quarterbacks drive Super Bowl runs, and trading Purdy for Watt, when Bosa already anchors the edge, is shortsighted. The 49ers’ offseason cuts were partly to fund Purdy’s extension, underscoring his centrality to their plans.
The trade’s feasibility is dubious. Watt, a Steelers icon, posted 11.5 sacks in 2024, and trading him risks fan backlash. Pittsburgh would also need to navigate Purdy’s looming contract, potentially exceeding Watt’s projected $40 million annual extension. For San Francisco, losing Purdy would force reliance on a stopgap like Mac Jones or a rookie such as Shedeur Sanders, a risky pivot for a team built to win now.
Financially, the 49ers face tough choices. With $22 million in projected 2025 cap space, extending Purdy while addressing holes at offensive line and cornerback is daunting. Watt’s acquisition would demand cap gymnastics, likely requiring cuts like George Kittle. Pittsburgh, with $30 million in cap room, could absorb Purdy’s deal but may hesitate to part with a defensive cornerstone for an unproven long-term fit.
The proposal highlights broader strategic questions. San Francisco’s 2024 collapse exposed defensive frailties, but their offense hinges on Purdy’s system fit. Trading him risks unraveling Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, while Watt alone can’t fix a roster thinned by free agency. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, must weigh whether Purdy’s upside justifies losing a generational talent like Watt, especially after a Wild Card exit.
Ultimately, this trade is more thought experiment than reality. Both teams view Purdy and Watt as foundational, and the positional value of a quarterback likely outweighs even Watt’s elite impact. As the 49ers and Steelers plot their 2025 paths, this debate underscores the delicate balance of roster building in a salary-cap era. Fans will watch closely to see how each team navigates these high-stakes decisions.
