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The Browns were one of the first teams to show interest in hiring JJ Watt after he was released by the Texans last Friday and it appears that the interest is mutual.
Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reports that Watt is “seriously thinking” about going to Cleveland to play for the Browns. Among the reasons the Browns caught Watt’s attention is the upper limit they have to make a deal with the three-time defensive player of the year, as well as a squad he thinks can compete for the Super Bowl.
Serving as a favorite destination for a free agent because of his playoff perspective is not something the Browns have much experience with, but Watt’s interest shows how much his success under first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski last season was noticed in the championship.
There is no word on a timetable for Watt to make a decision or whether there are conversations with the Browns about the parameters of the contract currently underway.
The Steelers, Titans, Bills and Packers were also named as teams with an interest in Watt. Their level of interest is unclear, but Cabot’s report may prompt one or more of them to intensify their pursuit if they don’t want to see him playing on the same defensive front as Myles Garrett.