On Friday, the Houston Texans made the decision to release pass rusher JJ Watt, one of the most influential members in the history of their franchise. Although the three-time Defensive Player of the Year turns 32 next month, there are several teams interested in purchasing his services. According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, about a dozen teams have shown interest in Watt since it was launched. Werder also named four franchises in the mix for Watt: The Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans.
The Steelers are considered by many to be the favorites to get Watt, as their younger brothers, TJ Watt and Derek Watt, play in Pittsburgh. In addition, Steelers passes rusher Bud Dupree is a free agent and may be in line for a big payday, so Steelers could have a chance at the limit. Ending a career in the Hall of Fame with the family while fighting for the Super Bowl certainly looks attractive.
The Browns are an interesting landing point, considering that Watt would be competing directly against his brothers in the loaded AFC North. Cleveland returned to the postseason last year for the first time since 2002 and is expected to take another step forward in 2021, but you could imagine that if Watt went north, he would probably join his brothers. Either way, Watt could serve as a versatile and dynamic piece in Cleveland’s 4-3 scheme, and no team would be excited to have to protect its quarterback from players like Watt and Myles Garrett. Likewise, Bills is a team that disputed the playoffs and works in a scheme that includes four line players.
As for the Titans, they are an interesting landing spot, considering that they share a division with the Texans. There is nothing to suggest that Watt’s break with Houston was not friendly, but perhaps something about him would be tempted to face his former team twice a year. There is also a connection with Titans coach Mike Vrabel, who has worked with the Texans as a linebacker coach for three seasons and then as a defensive coordinator for one season. The Titans are certainly a team that will be in contention for a pass in the coming months. In the last off-season, they broke the bank for Jadeveon Clowney, who played only eight games and failed to register a sack, and risked against Vic Beasley, who was discharged after playing just five games. The Titans were again one of the worst teams in the league to reach the quarterback, with only 19 sacks in the season. It is no surprise that several teams are interested in hiring Watt, but the Titans are certainly an interesting name that Werder mentioned.
Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports identified five potential landing sites where Watt could thrive. Check out his article here.