On Friday, the Houston Texans made the decision to release patient JJ Watt, one of the most influential members in their franchise’s history. While the three-time defensive player of the year turns 32 next month, there are several teams interested in acquiring his services. According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, has shown about a dozen teams interest in Watt since his release. Werder also mentions four franchises in Watt: The Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans.
The Steelers are considered by many to be a favorite to land Watt, as his younger brothers TJ Watt and Derek Watt play in Pittsburgh. In addition, Steelers pass rusher Bud Dupree is a free agent and could be in line for a big payday so the Steelers could possibly have an opening on the edge. Ending a Hall of Fame career with a family while waging a Super Bowl fight certainly sounds appealing.
The Browns are an interesting landing spot as Watt will compete directly against his brothers in the loaded AFC North. Cleveland has returned to the national season for the first time since 2002 last year and is expected to take another step forward in 2021, but you would think Watt would move north, he would likely team up with his brothers. Either way, Watt can serve as a versatile and dynamic piece in Cleveland’s 4-3 scheme, and no team will be excited to protect their quarterbacks from the likes of Watt and Myles Garrett. Similarly, the Bills are a team that has made a turn in the playoffs and is working in a scheme that includes four lineouts.
As for the Titans, this is an interesting landing spot as they share a split with the Texans. Nothing suggests that Watt’s breakup with Houston was not friendly, but perhaps something in him would be tempted to act against his former team twice a year. There is also a connection with Mike Vrabel, head coach of the Titans, who worked with the Texans as a lineout coach for three seasons, and then one defense coordinator. The Titans are definitely a team that will stay in the fray for months to come. Last season, they broke the bench for Jadeveon Clowney, who played just eight games and did not record a bag, and took a chance on Vic Beasley, who was released after playing in just five games. The Titans were again one of the worst teams in the league to reach the quarterfinals as they scored just 19 bags on the season. It’s no surprise that several teams are interested in scoring Watt, but the Titans are certainly an interesting name that Werder mentioned.
Bryan DeArdo, CBS Sports, identified five potential landing sites where Watt could thrive. Check out his article here.