5 potential fits for J.J. Watt in free agency
J.J. Watt once seemed destined to finish his career with the Houston Texans, but that changed Friday after the three-time Defensive Player of the Year requested and received his release.
The 31-year-old may not be the game-wrecker he once was off the edge, but there's no doubt he can still help plenty of teams. As Watt dips his toe into the free-agent waters for the first time in his career, we examine the five best fits for him:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Let's start with the most obvious one: Watt already has two brothers on the Steelers, and the chance to team up with T.J. and Derek - on a contender, no less - is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Pittsburgh will be in the market for an edge rusher this offseason, as Bud Dupree is an impending free agent who'll likely miss a chunk of the 2021 campaign recovering from a torn ACL. Imagine how thrilled Mama and Papa Watt will be if they can attend their sons' games without needing to split their rooting interests.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If he's only looking for a ring, the Buccaneers are the phone to buzz. Watt has been to the playoffs many times, but he's never advanced beyond the divisional round, and he's running out of time to experience the euphoria of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. Tampa Bay will want to re-sign Shaq Barrett before it starts looking at other pass-rushers, but if he becomes too expensive or Watt is willing to sacrifice money and a full-time role for a chance to win a Super Bowl, the Buccaneers can make this work.
Las Vegas Raiders
No coach adores grizzled veterans more than Jon Gruden, and no team needs pass-rushing help more than the Raiders. Since trading Khalil Mack three years ago, Las Vegas has ranked 32nd, 26th, and 24th in pressure rate, per PFF. Even though Watt is on the down side of his career, his 45 pressures in 2020 ranked 26th league-wide and would've been second on the Raiders behind Maxx Crosby's 48. The biggest problem here is that Watt and Crosby both do the bulk of their damage from the left side of the defensive line, and the Raiders surely aren't ready to give up on Clelin Ferrell, who mans the right. Still, it's hard not to connect the Raiders to a pass-rusher with Watt's resume.
Green Bay Packers
Watt's a Wisconsin kid, he played at the University of Wisconsin, and now he has a chance to return home to play for the team he grew up supporting. The Packers will need to alleviate some cap space, but that shouldn't be a problem given the widespread expectation they'll release Preston Smith and rework Aaron Rodgers' contract. Watt's very strong defending the run, an area where Green Bay struggled in 2020. The Packers have been knocking on the door for two seasons now, and Watt could be one of the missing pieces that pushes them over the hump in 2021.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans ranked 28th in pressure rate in 2019 and got worse in 2020, but it wasn't for a lack of effort. Tennessee took fliers on Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley in free agency a year ago, but both flopped. Not only do the Titans have a need, but they can also provide Watt with a chance at revenge - Watt openly criticized Texans management throughout his final season, and Tennessee faces his former team twice every year. The Titans also offer familiarity, as head coach Mike Vrabel worked with Watt in Houston. Vrabel once said he would chop off his genitals to win the Super Bowl; that seems to be the type of culture Watt wants to immerse himself in.