Maxx Crosby or T.J. Watt? John Schneider's Two Wild Cards That Could Stun The NFC West

Alright, 12s, let's be real. We all saw it. The Los Angeles Rams just went out and grabbed Myles Garrett, loud and clear saying their championship window is WIDE open. They think they're running the NFC West now, making an "all-in" bet with a massive acquisition. But hold up, don't you dare panic. Our guy, John Schneider, is not the type to just sit back and watch a division rival flex. Nope, not a chance. Schneider has spent years building a young, deep roster, we've got draft capital, cap space, and Mike Macdonald and Brian Fleury are entering another season together. But don't be shocked if our Seahawks GM makes a move, or two, to answer that Rams challenge. He’s reportedly eyeing two absolute game-wreckers who could put the entire league on notice: Maxx Crosby and T.J. Watt.

Maxx Crosby: The Ultimate Counterpunch for Macdonald's Defense

If you want to directly answer the Garrett move, there is no bigger swing than Maxx Crosby. Forget "fixing a weakness," this is about creating an overwhelming defensive unit every single week. And here's the kicker: this isn't some wild dream. Schneider has explored Crosby trades before, and we know our GM is relentless when he truly covets a player. The stars might just be aligning, too. Health concerns for Crosby complicated a massive trade package from Baltimore previously. Now, it's unlikely Las Vegas gets the same haul. A year ago, we're talking multiple first-round picks. Today? A package centered around a first-rounder plus additional Day 2 compensation feels way more realistic. Expensive? Absolutely. But it’s no longer franchise-altering from a draft capital perspective. Think about the fit in Mike Macdonald’s defense. Pairing Crosby with Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, and DeMarcus Lawrence would give us arguably the most intimidating defensive front in the entire NFC. Offensive coordinators would be spending sleepless nights trying to figure out protection, only to realize there’s no right answer. The contract is the bigger challenge, with Crosby likely seeking an extension exceeding $40 million annually. But if we believe our championship window is truly opening, few players would impact that pursuit more dramatically.

T.J. Watt: A Dynasty-Defining Move That's Suddenly Possible?

A year ago, the idea of T.J. Watt even being available would have sounded absolutely absurd. But today, it might not be so impossible. Why? Pittsburgh just committed to young pass rusher Nick Herbig with a contract extension, signaling his future with the Steelers. That move gives Pittsburgh a lot more flexibility than they've had in years when looking at their long-term edge rusher outlook. Watt is, simply put, one of the most accomplished defenders of his generation. The dude is a former Defensive Player of the Year, an eight-time Pro Bowler, a four-time First Team All-Pro, and the Steelers’ all-time sack leader. Few defenders in the last decade have impacted games with his consistency. While the facts don't scream "trade him now," it's certainly worth noting that Watt is now in his thirties, which could lead Pittsburgh to consider some difficult conversations down the line. So, there it is, 12s. The Rams made their splash. Now, it's our turn to watch John Schneider cook. Will we see one of these absolute game-wreckers in green and blue before the regular season even kicks off? Will the roar for a new EDGE rusher at Lumen Field be deafening? Get ready, Seattle, because this offseason just got SPICY. Our GM is plotting, and whatever he serves up, you know it's for a championship feast.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.