On Friday, the Houston Texans made the decision to release pass rusher JJ Watt, one of the most influential members in their franchise history. While the three-time defensive player of the year turns 32 next month, there are several teams interested in securing his services. According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, about a dozen teams have shown interest in Watt since he was released. Werder also dropped 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 a favorite to land Watt as his younger brothers TJ Watt and Derek Watt play in Pittsburgh. Additionally, Steelers pass rusher Bud Dupree is a free agent and could be lining up for a major payday, so the Steelers could potentially have an opening on the edge. Ending a Hall of Fame career with the family while competing for a Super Bowl certainly sounds appealing.
The Browns are an interesting landing spot as Watt would compete directly with his brothers in the laden AFC North. Cleveland returned to the postseason for the first time since 2002 in the past year and is expected to take another step forward in 2021, but you could imagine that if Watt moved north, he would likely team up with his brothers. Regardless, Watt could serve as a versatile and dynamic piece in Cleveland’s 4-3 schedule, and no team would be keen on having to protect their quarterback from the likes of Watt and Myles Garrett. Likewise, the Bills are a team that has made a run in the playoffs and works in a schedule that includes four down linemen.
As for the Titans, they are an interesting landing site as they share a division with the Texans. There’s nothing to suggest that Watt’s break with Houston wasn’t amicable, but perhaps something inside him would tempt him to go against his former team twice a year. There is also a connection with Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who worked with the Texans for three seasons as a linebackers coach, then defensive coordinator for one. The Titans are certainly a team that will be in the mix for a pass rusher for the next few months. Last off-season, they broke the bench for Jadeveon Clowney, who played in only eight games and didn’t pick up a sack, and took a chance on Vic Beasley, who was released after only five games. The Titans were again one of the worst teams in the league at reaching the quarterback as they only recorded 19 sacks in the season. It’s no surprise that several teams are interested in signing Watt, but the Titans are certainly an interesting name Werder mentioned.
CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo identified five possible landing sites where Watt could thrive. Check out his article here.