The JJ Watt sweepstakes starts to heat up. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reports that the three-time defensive player of the year “has received contract offers from multiple teams.” The most lucrative offer is believed to be in the $ 15 to $ 16 million range, per Russini.
A handful of teams are continuously connected with Watt, including the Cleveland Browns. ESPN’s report notes that it is uncertain whether the Browns are among the squadrons that have made a bid to the veteran pass rusher. Cleveland is armed with over $ 30 million in cap space and was previously seen as a legitimate threat to sign Watt.
The Bills, Packers and Titans have also been listed as potential landing spots for the 31-year-old. Each of those three teams are currently over the limit, so they have to overcome some financial hurdles before they can finally sign Watt to a lucrative contract. The Titans have already started a number of cap-saving movies, including their reported release of wideout Adam Humphries from earlier today.
One team that Watt apparently won’t land is the Steelers. Earlier this week, veteran NFL reporter John Clayton said Pittsburgh will not be a landing spot for the former Texans.
Watt may be getting older, but that doesn’t mean he still can’t be productive in the right role. His five sacks in 2020 were his lowest total in a 16-game campaign (but a half-full-glass mentality would make a 16-game season in itself encouraging). Additionally, Watt was rated Pro Football Focus’ No. 7 overall edge defender in 2020, with the advanced stats site praising the veteran’s work against the run and pass.
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