With J.J. Watt being released from the Houston Texans, The Draft Zone takes a look at the top 5 landing spots for the star defensive lineman.
J.J. Watt certainly made a great case for himself in Houston and has been on some very good defenses coached by Romeo Crennel. It’s not often to have a 3-4 defensive end be as dominant of a pass rusher as Watt.
Watt has the size, athleticism, and speed to play as a 4-3 DE which couldl open up some avenues for his next NFL home. Shifting to a straight line pass rusher might actually be a better fit for him naturally, and see a production increase in sack totals and pressures. If Watt does not get double teamed, he is a real beast to handle.
Frankly, any player to get over 100 sacks as a 3-4 DE is a feat in itself. But that is really what J.J. Watt is. He is one of those players which dominates his matchup whether its a double team or one on one match up. So the question is where could be the best fit for Watt for 2021 and beyond?
Honorable Mention: Tennesee Titans; Seattle Seahawks; Dallas Cowboys
5. Pittsburgh steelers – J.J. Watt & Family
This is really about J.J. Watt joining his younger brother T.J. Watt to play in the Steel city. Then you add in Derek Watt, a FB, and the Steelers start polishing the family mantra the Steelers have always been about. Pittsburgh is also a place where many come to call home considering the attrition in which the Steelers have displayed.
Mike Tomlin is a tenured head coach who replaced Bill Cowher and when Dick Lebeau retired, Keith Butler became the heir apparent to the Steelers defense. Butler has been with the Steelers since 2003 and was instrumental in the development of such names like Lamarr Woodley, James Harrison, Joey Porter, and Lawrence Timmons.
It is not likely that Watt would play EDGE or lineup anywhere outside of the 3 technique position, but J.J. Watt is so athletic that if asked, he could. Watt just has that uncanny ability to use strength and speed to dominate opponents at any position.
The Steelers are able to compete just about every season, which certainly makes the draw that much more interesting. The down sides are that Big Ben is getting up there in age and there is no certainty that he comes back to lead the Steelers offense.
4. Indianapolis Colts
While this move would be in the same division, it would be with an up and coming defense which could use a boost at the defensive front line.
Denico Autry and Justin Houston are both free agents which opens up the money aspect for J.J. Watt to be entertained at the thought of being in Indianapolis. If the goal is wanting to win, I expect the Colts to be in that same mind set. Well every team might be, but the Colts are building a contending team.
Bringing Carson Wentz in to be reuinted with Frank Reich, who, as offensive coordinator in Philadelphia, helped Wentz establish himself as a star in the league. Ultimately, this is the step that the Colts have needed.
If the Colts are to entertain Watt, he might just find himself at home considering he can play against the Texans 2 times a year and find himself on the right side of winning which he has not been in a long time. Personally feel this would be a fantastic fit for Watt, because he can practice against one of the best G’s in the league: Quentin Nelson.
3. Green Bay Packers
This almost seems like the most logical decision. The Packers might see this move as one to get over that hump and get the ring that both Aaron and J.J. would covet, even though Rodgers has one.
But this also makes sense because Watt went to the University of Wisconsin and is from that area. It would be a return home for him and frankly, I think that could be the best option. But is it in his best interest?
I think the Packers would be in the top 3 of best interests for J.J. Watt considering Green Bay is a perennial favorite to go far in the playoffs AND is likely favored at the start of seasons to be a Superbowl contender. The Packers would be a team to watch for and J.J. Watt.
Green Bay is a smaller market but a really big fish in terms of the title town reputation. Keep a close eye on the Packers and how they approach J.J. Watt.
2. Tampa bay Buccaneers
It is apparent that J.J. Watt is very interested in winning, and frankly, after having Bill O’Brien as your head coach and GM, it’s pretty clear that J.J. Watt saw the writing on the wall. Now that his contract is up, he can go where he wants.
Considering the Bucs play in a 4-3 defense it is very likely that Watt would play a 3 Tech AND a 5 tech in situations. Because of his versatility, Watt has the ability to move inside and outside to stretch the offensive line and be effective in many different situations.
The winning aspect is obvious considering Tampa Bay is the current Superbowl champions. I also believe Watt would love the lifestyle of Tampa, Florida more than any other places on this list outside of Green Bay. With Todd Bowles as the defensive coordinator, he is a master at creating opportunities and match ups which favor his personnel and packages.
Adding J.J. Watt would allow Bowles to get more creative and be more risky in terms of pass rushing.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs would be the safest spot for J.J. Watt. The distance from Houston is maybe an hour flight. The weather will be different, but so will winning.
Kansas City won its first championship in 50 years just 2 seasons ago, but they did make it to the 20-21 Superbowl against Tampa Bay. The winning pedigree is alive and well in Kansas City.
Frank Clark is declining, Tanoh Kpassagnon is a free agent as is Alex Okafor and Taco Charlton. This leaves a wide open door for Watt who not declining but looking to win.
It’s not generally good practice to go ring chasing, but at this point what does Watt have to lose. Tampa Bay and Kansas City seem to be the likeliest of spots in which to sniff the big dance, but he could also be the missing link to Green Bay getting back to the grand stage.
Conclusion
Either way, Watt has an open landscape of teams to choose from and his choice will likely come down to the top 5 listed here. I don’t personally think a team is going to come out and just throw a lot of money at Watt. J.J. Watt has stated its not about the money, its about winning.
If you have any thoughts, please feel free to comment below.