The Houston Texans added a significant name to the free agent market when they released defensive end JJ Watt. While a team like San Francisco in need of help could take a peek at the five-time First-Team All-Pro, it’s hard to imagine them seriously knocking it over with tires.
While Watt is a surefire Hall of Famer with three Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name, his days as a dominant player are on the brink of being behind him. He will turn 32 in March and sack 9.0 in 24 games over the past two seasons. Watt has only played two full seasons since 2016 and only 48 out of 80 possible games, though he posted 16.0 sacks in a full 2018 season.
This is not to say Watt is a bad player. He can still help a team. However, given his resume, his price tag could see significant inflation. Ed Werder of ESPN reported a whopping 12 teams have inquired about the former Texas star
The problem the 49ers face is where he would play. His most valuable role at this point in his career is probably the same role Arik Armstead has as a pioneering run defender in base packs and an inner rusher in sub packs. San Francisco has a ton of money in Armstead, and adding another relatively expensive player to that same role wouldn’t be a wise use of the 49ers’ limited cap space.
If they were looking for additional help in free agency, they will likely be able to try and fit in with less expensive players in a specific role to maximize their talent. Their trade for DE Jordan Willis last season comes to mind, where they only used him as an edge rusher and didn’t ask him to drop cover or be a run-stuffing defensive end.
Kerry Hyder Jr. is also trailing a great year and at this point would probably be just as valuable to the 49ers’ defense as Watt, but at a lower price tag. If they were to spend on free service, they should try to keep Hyder instead of going after the bigger name.
With the likes of Trent Williams, Kyle Juszcyzk and K’Waun Williams seeking free agency for the 49ers, they’ll have to spend wisely. Adding an edge player isn’t out of the question, but Watts shouldn’t be the player they’re targeting.