JJ Watt’s sweepstakes have officially started. The Green Bay Packers, like so many other teams interested in adding the Hall of Fame’s future defensive lineman, will have to tell Watt why it makes sense to join their team above anyone else already in the queue to add it.
The field may be easier on the Packers, who have some incredible built-in benefits. But without significant funding available, the Packers may need to rely on other relevant factors to have the chance to take over the former Houston Texans defender.
Here’s how the Packers could try to sell Watt on the idea of playing in Green Bay in 2021:
Almost guaranteed chances when playing football in the postseason. The Packers have been in the postseason 10 times in the past 12 years, including seven times as division champions. They won a Super Bowl in 2010 and have played in five NFC title games during that time. Don’t be at home in January.
The team is now ready to win. The Packers have been 26-6 for the past two seasons, with back-to-back NFC North titles and back-to-back trips to the NFC title game. Watt has never been to a conference title game. This is a team that can compete for the Super Bowl this season. No conversion necessary.
Hall of Fame quarterback. Playing with Deshaun Watson wasn’t enough in Houston, but in Green Bay, Watt would get Aaron Rodgers, the 2020 NFL MVP and future Hall of Famer. In Year 2 with Matt LaFleur, Rodgers created 51 touchdowns and led the first scoring defense. Who knows what he will do for an encore in 2021.
Chance to add to the legacy. Watt did it all individually. Coming home and helping Rodgers and the Packers return to the Super Bowl would add an impressive chapter to his Hall of Fame career. He would forever be one of the most adored and decorated players in the history of the state.
– Pass-rushing opportunities. All great defenders love to disrupt the quarterback. Well, the Packers often play with a lead and offer opportunities to get the passer. Watt only had five sacks last season, but he was still disruptive. Better game scripts in Green Bay could unlock more Watt’s pass-rush production.
Stable leadership structure. The Packers operate at the other end of the spectrum as the Texans, who have quickly become the league’s hilarious franchise. The Packers have four strong leaders – Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst, Russ Ball and Mark Murphy – who run a stable franchise that knows how to win. Consistently.
Help up front. Goodbye, constant double teams. The Packers already have Za’Darius Smith, Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary in their place on the defensive front four. Add Watt to the mix and everyone’s life becomes easier, including Watt’s. Fouls cannot double team.
Opportunity to fill void in leadership. The Packers have already diverted Rodgers on violation. The defense can use a leader with the same hitting power. Think about when the Packers added Charles Woodson or Julius Peppers. Watt could be the universally respected leader this talented group needs. And he would take the opportunity.
– Regulation. We don’t know much about new defensive coordinator Joe Barry yet, but he was in Los Angeles for four years with Aaron Donald, so he should have a pretty good idea about giving inner defenders the right chances to create disruption. Watt and Donald are not synonymous, but Barry will likely bring an attack plan to Green Bay that suits Watt’s capabilities.
– No. 99 is (almost) available. Watt has worn # 99, going back to his days in Madison. Practice squad defensive lineman Willington Previlon has the number now, but the guess here is that Watt could get it without much trouble. Think how many No. 99 Watt jerseys the team would sell.
– Close to home. Last but not least, playing in Green Bay means returning to Wisconsin. Watt is already a beloved figure within the state and still resides there during the off season. Growing up as a fan of the team, he would almost certainly cherish the chance to come home and fulfill a little kid’s dream of wearing green and gold and playing at Lambeau Field.