The draw for JJ Watt officially started. The Green Bay Packers, like so many other teams interested in adding the future defensive striker from the Hall of Fame, will need to convince Watt about why it makes sense to join them instead of everyone else who is already lining up to add it.
The pitch may be easier for Packers, who have some incredible built-in advantages. But without significant financial resources available, Packers may have to rely on other relevant factors to gain the opportunity to acquire the former Houston Texans defender.
Here’s how the Packers could try to convince Watt to play at Green Bay in 2021:
– Almost guaranteed opportunity to play post-season football. The Packers have been in the postseason 10 times in the past 12 years, including seven times as a division champion. They won a Super Bowl in 2010 and played five games for the NFC title in that period. Don’t sit at home in January anymore.
– The team is ready to win now. The Packers have 26 wins and 6 losses in the past two seasons, with consecutive NFC North titles and consecutive trips to the NFC title game. Watt has never been to a conference title game. This is a team in a position to fight for the Super Bowl this season. No reconstruction needed.
– Hall of Fame quarterback. Playing with Deshaun Watson was not enough in Houston, but in Green Bay, Watt would host Aaron Rodgers, the 2020 NFL MVP and future Hall of Famer. In year 2 with Matt LaFleur, Rodgers created 51 touchdowns and led the No. 1 scoring defense. Who knows what he’ll do for an encore in 2021.
– Opportunity to add to the legacy. Watt did everything individually. Coming home and helping Rodgers and the Packers get back to the Super Bowl would add an impressive chapter to their Hall of Fame career. He would forever be one of the most adored and decorated players in the state’s history.
– Overtaking opportunities. All great defenders love to bother the quarterback. Well, Packers often play with a lead and provide opportunities to go after the passer. Watt had only five sacks last season, but he was still unsettling. Better game scripts in Green Bay could unlock faster Watt production.
– Stable leadership structure. The Packers operate at the opposite end of the spectrum from Texans, who quickly became the franchise’s laughing stock franchise. The Packers have four strong leaders – Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst, Russ Ball and Mark Murphy – running a stable franchise that knows how to win. Consistently.
– Help up front. So long, constant double teams. The Packers have Za’Darius Smith, Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary already placed in defensive front four. Add Watt to the mix and everyone’s life will be easier, including Watt’s. Offenses cannot double everyone’s team.
– Opportunity to fill the leadership void. The Packers already have Rodgers to lead the charge. The defense could use a leader with the same level of influence. Think about when the Packers added Charles Woodson or Julius Peppers. Watt can be the universally respected leader that this talented group needs. And he would embrace the opportunity.
– Scheme. We don’t know much about the new defensive coordinator Joe Barry yet, but he has been in Los Angeles with Aaron Donald for four years, so he must have a good idea on how to give insiders the right opportunities to create disruption. Watt and Donald are not synonymous players, but Barry will likely bring a failure attack plan to Green Bay that may fit Watt’s abilities.
– No. 99 is (practically) available. Watt has used No. 99 since his days in Madison. Defensive lineman on training team Willington Previlon holds the number now, but the hunch here is that Watt could get it without too much trouble. Think about how many 99 Watt shirts the team would sell.
– Close to home. Last but not least, playing at Green Bay means returning to Wisconsin. Watt is already a beloved figure in the state and still resides there during the off-season. He grew up as a fan of the team and would almost certainly appreciate the chance to come home and fulfill a child’s dream of wearing green and gold and playing at Lambeau Field.