The JJ Watt whip has officially started. The Green Bay Packers, like so many other teams interested in adding the future Hall of Fame defender, will have to sell Watt for the reason why it makes sense to join their team over all the others already in the row stands to add him.
The pitch may be easier for the Packers, who have incredible built-in benefits. But without major financial resources available, the Packers may have to rely on other relevant factors to get the opportunity to acquire the former Texas Texans defender.
Here’s how the Packers tried to sell Watt on the idea of playing in Green Bay in 2021:
– Almost guaranteed opportunity to play post-season football. The Packers have been ten times after the off-season over the past 12 years, including seven times as division champions. They won a Super Bowl in 2010 and have played in five NFC title games. You will no longer be sitting at home during January.
– The team is now ready to win. The Packers have been 26-6 for the past two seasons, with rugby titles from the NFC North and back-to-back trips to the NFC title game. Watt has never even been to a conference title contest. This is a team that can compete for the Super Bowl this season. No rebuilding required.
– Hall of Fame fullback. Playing with Deshaun Watson was not enough in Houston, but in Green Bay, Watt would get Aaron Rodgers, the 2020 NFL MVP and future Hall of Famer. In the second year with Matt LaFleur, Rodgers created 51 tee balls and led the defense to No. 1. Who knows what he will do in 2021 for a concession.
– Opportunity to contribute to legacy. Watt did it all individually. Getting home and helping Rodgers and the Packers get back to the Super Bowl would add an impressive chapter to his Hall of Fame career. He would forever be one of the most pleasant and decorated players in the history of the state.
– Transient opportunities. All great defenders like to disrupt the quarter. Well, the Packers often play with a lead and offer opportunities to get the passer. Watt only had five bags last season, but he was still disruptive. Better gameplay in Green Bay could unlock more fickle production of Watt.
– Stable leadership structure. The Packers work on the other end of the spectrum than the Texans, who quickly became the league’s hilarious franchise. The Packers have four strong leaders – Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst, Russ Ball and Mark Murphy – who run a stable franchise that knows how to win. Consistent.
– Help up front. So long, constant double teams. The Packers already have Za’Darius Smith, Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary in the defensive top four. Add Watt to the mix, and everyone’s lives become easier, including Watt’s. Offenses cannot double everyone.
– Opportunity to fill lead empty. The Packers already have Rodgers to lead on offense. The defense can use a leader who has the same level. Think back to when the Packers added Charles Woodson or Julius Peppers. Watt can be the universally respected leader this talented group needs. And he would seize the opportunity.
– Schedule. We do not yet know much about new defense coordinator Joe Barry, but he spent four years with Aaron Donald in Los Angeles, so he should have a good idea to give domestic defenders the right opportunities to create disruption. Watt and Donald are not synonymous players, but Barry is likely to bring a gap attack to Green Bay that could match Watt’s abilities.
– Nr. 99 are (quite a lot) available. Watt wore number 99 back to his days in Madison. The Willington Previlon defensive line of the training group now holds the number, but the guess here is that Watt can get it without much effort. Just think how many number 99 Watt jerseys the team would sell.
– Near the house. Last but not least, playing in Green Bay means returning to Wisconsin. Watt is already a beloved person in the state and still lives there during the off-season. He grew up as a fan of the team and would probably cherish the chance to come home and fulfill a young child’s dream of wearing the green and gold and playing at Lambeau Field.