This is not a scenario anyone thought we would ever be in, but after requesting a release JJ Watt is now looking for a new home. Every week the Texans and Eagles take turns saying "hold my beer," and then proceed to have a story that no one expects to happen! Looking forward to what Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman have in store next week.
Until then, we need to take a look at the top landing spots for JJ Watt. I hate when players ring chase, and it is very clear that JJ is going to chase a Super Bowl. I am going to change my stance and say, JJ should 100% chase a ring and should only sign with a contender. He is one of the greatest players of our generation ,and the only thing he is missing is a Super Bowl. In his last 5 seasons, he has only been able to play in all 16 games twice. He does not have many years left ,and the time is now to get the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year a much deserved Super Bowl ring!
Since he is ring chasing, you can take 20 of the 32 teams out of consideration. Of the 12 teams remaining with realistic shots at playing in Super Bowl LVI, there are 5 teams that I feel stand out more than the rest to sign JJ. If you know your team is not in Super Bowl consideration in 2021 (sorry Eagles fans) you can consider yourself out of contention of the JJ Watt sweepstakes .
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
Lets start with the consensus #1 choice . Everyone is predicting that he will sign with Pittsburgh. The Steelers are on the decline ,but this is their last season of being potential Super Bowl contenders. Now why would JJ want to sign with a team who may or may not be contending this season? If JJ signs with Pittsburgh, he will have the opportunity to play alongside both of his brothers Derek and TJ. That has to be super appealing for JJ. The opportunity to play along side not one but both of his brothers would be such a special moment for the Watt family. Not only would JJ big a big boost for their defense it would be very cool to see three bothers on one same team.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If JJ Watt really wants a ring, Tampa Bay seems like a perfect fit. What better place to win a Super Bowl than the defending Super Bowl champion and the team that Tom Brady plays for. The Bucs need some help at the DE position. Ndamukong Suh is a free agent this offseason, and now that he has a Super Bowl, he could be looking for a more lucrative deal that Tampa will not be able to afford. I fully expect JJ to take the veterans minimum in order to win a championship. If Suh does leave, the Bucs will need some major help at DE. The Bucs won Super Bowl LV because of their defensive line, and if they want to repeat they need to fill in for the loss of Suh and no better option than JJ Watt.
3. Los Angelas Rams
Imagine a defensive line of JJ Watt and Aaron Donald. As a football fan, I would love to see this. Aaron Donald needs to be doubled teamed sometimes tripled teamed. Now add in JJ Watt...oh my lord! Opposing QBs will have little to no time to get the ball out. The Rams are in a win now scenario. They have traded away all future draft picks to win a Super Bowl in the next 2 seasons. Imagine how well JJ Watt and Aaron Donal will play against the offensive lines in the NFC West. If Russell Wilson did not want out of Seattle now he will definitely want out now. If both the Rams and Watt are serious about winning a Super Bowl, this may be a dream scenario.
4. Buffalo Bills
The Bills are a few small pieces away from not just playing in the Super Bow, but winning the game. Their pass rushing needs some major attention. They have some solid players on defense, but the one thing I do not see when I watch their games is an on field leader. JJ Watt will step in as the leader for whatever team he plays on. Not only would the Bills get their new defensive leader, but they would get a much needed pass rusher. If Buffalo wants to beat the Chiefs they need to address their pass rushing, and if they want to win a Super Bowl, they need to sign JJ Watt. Bills fans will fall in love with JJ. Imagine the Bills Mafia and JJ Watt celebrating a Bills win together!
5. Tennessee Titans
When a player leaves a team on bad terms, one of the things that player wants to do is have the opportunity to play their old team and beat them. Even though he is leaving Houston on good terms, would an opportunity to play Houston twice a year be appealing to JJ? Jadeveon Clowney was a disaster in Tennessee, and most would expect him to be playing else where in 2021. Mike Vrabel is credited with being one of the best defensive minded coaches in all of football. JJ would fit in well with the current core would reunite with his former coach in Houston Shane Bowen. Watt could prove to be the difference maker that takes Tennessee to the Super Bowl.
Honorable Mentions
Even though these teams did not crack my top ten, these teams should and will be in talks with JJ to join their team in 2021. There are 12 teams that have been in contact with JJ after his release, and I believe that all these teams will have at least reached out to him.
Cleveland Browns- Myles Garrett and JJ Watt?? Where do I sign up?
Dallas Cowboys- Contenders? Someone has to win the NFC East and he said he loves Texas!
Baltimore Ravens- If the Browns and Steelers are vying for him they might as well too.
New England Patriots- Never count out Bill Belichick.
Green Bay Packers- Every player dreams of playing for their hometown team.