The Pittsburgh Steelers already have two Watt brothers on their team. TJ Watt is their esteemed defensive apprentice, Derek Watt was the free agent acquisition in 2020, but can a third Watt join the team?
Of course, everyone has heard by now that JJ Watt and the Houston Texans agreed to split up. When that news hits social media, you know what rumors started.
“Expect JJ to join TJ and Derek in Pittsburgh.”
The Steelers don’t have much salary cap, but after the retirement of Vance McDonald and Maurkice Pouncey, along with the 2020 rollover cap space, and suddenly their situation doesn’t look that dire.
Depending on Ben Roethlisberger’s future, the Steelers can still free up some salary cap to make a few maneuvers in the free agent market. It’s worth noting, since Watt has been released, he can sign with a team whenever he wants.
According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, there have been several teams that have already contacted Watt, and the Steelers are one of them.
From NFL sources
NFL Sources: About a dozen teams have expressed an interest in JJ Watt since becoming a direct unrestricted free agent. Included with those teams are the #Steelers #Brown #Bills and #Titans
– Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) February 13, 2021
For those wondering how quickly a deal with Watt could go, just think how long it took for the news of his release and the aforementioned teams to make the call. In other words, not very long.
However, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Watt is going to at least take the weekend before actually diving into options. Fowler did take the time to mention that Watt wanted to join a team that is seen as a contender.
Now that JJ Watt has officially disbanded today, he can receive calls from NFL teams. I’ve been told Watt wants to take the weekend before delving into possible options. Going to a contender will be important.
– Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 12, 2021
Either way, it looks like the Steelers are at least showing interest. Why? Because, of course, they would like to have the opportunity to have the entire Watt family within their organization. If the team can’t win everything, at least they have the Watt family’s publicity behind them.
Either way, stay tuned to BTSC for the latest black and gold news and notes as they prepare for the new league year, NFL Free Agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.