Since being drafted by the Houston Texans in the 2011 NFL Draft, J.J. Watt has been a staple of the Houston Texans organization and the Houston community ever since. However, it has become clear that Watt has become dissatisfied with the Texans’ direction in recent months. In November, Watt said, “I’m not looking to rebuild. I’m looking to go after a championship.” (https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-on-future-in-houston-i-m-not-looking-to-rebuild) With the Texans in need of a rebuild, the prospect of Watt forcing a move out of Houston appears to be a real possibility, but that begs the question. Where will J.J. Watt play in 2021?
What Teams Could J.J. Watt Play for Next Season?
Houston Texans
Of course, we must consider that. Whether he wants out of Houston or not, he is still under contract with the team for another season. Should Houston choose, they could obviously force Watt to remain a member of the organization in the 2021 season, whether he likes it or not.
Pittsburgh Steelers
From the outside looking in, the appeal of the Pittsburgh Steelers for Watt should be obvious. Both of his brothers, Linebacker T.J. Watt and Fullback Derek Watt are on the team.
T.J. Watt became one of the most fearsome pass-rushing linebackers in the league, and Minkah Fitzpatrick has been showing his first-round talent with two consecutive Pro Bowls since joining the Steelers. The addition of the three-time defensive player of the year would turn the Steelers defense from a strong unit to an elite unit.
The biggest barrier to this move is the salary cap. The Steelers are currently projected to be nearly $21.8 million over the reduced salary cap for 2021 and with J.J. Watt’s cap hit due to be $17.5 million in 2021, the only way this move happens is if the Texans cut Watt instead of trading him allowing Watt to take a discount offer to play with his brothers.
Green Bay Packers
At face value, J.J. Watt to the Green Bay Packers seems like a match made in heaven. The Wisconsin-born pass-rusher grew up supporting the Packers, played his college football at the University of Wisconsin, and currently owns a Log Cabin in the state, just a couple of hours south of Green Bay.
Watt famously took part in the Packers tradition of riding a young fan’s bike to practice when the Packers and Texans held a couple of joint practice sessions in the lead up to the 2019 season.
In Green Bay’s recent history, two defensive acquisitions have been responsible for turning the Packers defense into championship-winning defenses with Reggie White and Charles Woodson. Watt could be the next in this list of Packer legends who help bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the franchise who’s former coach gave his name to the trophy.
Outside of the sentimental opportunity of playing for the team he supported since he was a little boy, Watt would be a huge improvement on the Packers defense and would cause offensive coordinators around the league nightmares scheming to stop a pass rush containing Watt, Kenny Clark, and Za’Darius Smith.
The biggest issue with the move, just as with the Steelers, is money. The Packers cap situation is one of the worst in the entire league, currently projected to be over $22.6 million over the cap. Watt would have to take a sizable hometown discount to give this move any hope of happening.
Other Options
Should the Texans choose to trade the star defensive player instead of cutting him, there are a few options that would satisfy Watt’s desire to be on a contender. The Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens would easily be able to fit Watt’s $17.5 million cap hit in 2021 in their budget, and the Seattle Seahawks would easily be able to fit in the hit with just a few small moves.
So, Where Will J.J. Watt Take His Talents Next Season?
Ultimately, where J.J. Watt plays in 2021 depends on the Texans response to his desire to leave. Should they cut him, a move to Pittsburgh or Green Bay becomes nearly inevitable. Should he be traded, the Seahawks is the likely destination, with the Texans likely unwilling to trade Watt within the AFC. However, all of this will mean absolutely nothing if the Texans don’t allow Watt to leave the city that made him a legend.
