Although he is about to turn 32 and has just the lowest single-season sack total of any season in which he could play a full game, JJ Watt finds himself in great demand. The former face of the Texans, who was released by Houston last week, looks like a good attempt to reach a short-term deal with a multi-year deal.
Over the weekend, Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News suggested that the Bills, which were among the teams linked to Watt in the immediate aftermath of his release, are unlikely to make a major free agent splash. Instead, Carucci said he expects Buffalo to spend most of its cash on an extension for QB Josh Allen, which would keep the club from hunting down leading free agents like Watt.
Kimberley A. Martin, ESPN, however, reported that the Bills had indeed inquired about Watt, and that the interest was mutual (Twitter link). Carucci’s sources confirmed so much, saying that the Bills and Watt’s agent, Tom Condon, had communicated. It’s interesting that Condon also represents Allen, so maybe he and Buffalo GM Brandon Beane can do a lot of work in the next few days.
Watt is looking for a contender for a top-eight full-back, and the Bills, who have just played for the AFC Championship, definitely qualify. But there are about six teams underway, including the Browns, Titans, Steelers and Packers, and all have reached the post-season in 2020. While Carucci hears that Watt may start downsizing his list in the coming days. it is currently difficult to find a true forerunner.
It’s easy to see why Watt’s laws are being seriously considered. In addition to being seen as a good fit with the team-first culture that Beane and head coach have Sean McDermott helped create in west New York, and the Bills were only 20th in the league in quarterback pressure last season, finishing their first two defenses, Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison, are 32 and 33 respectively. Of course, Watt is not too far behind in terms of age, but although Watt was ranked as the seventh best edge defender in the league last year according to the advanced standards of Pro Football Focus, Addison was the no. 78 ED.
The bills are right up against the hood, so theoretically they could release Addison to create a little over $ 6 million in space and then put the money for a contract for Watt. Spotrac is planning a two-year $ 24MM deal for the five-time First Team All-Pro.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.