{"id":104147,"date":"2021-02-12T18:52:15","date_gmt":"2021-02-12T23:52:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=104147"},"modified":"2021-02-12T19:21:47","modified_gmt":"2021-02-13T00:21:47","slug":"identifying-the-best-j-j-watt-team-fits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/02\/12\/identifying-the-best-j-j-watt-team-fits\/","title":{"rendered":"Identifying the Best J.J. Watt Team Fits"},"content":{"rendered":"

After a wildly successful 10 years, the Houston Texans<\/a> have parted ways with superstar pass rusher J.J. Watt<\/a>. Watt reportedly asked for the release, as this gives him the ability to sign with any team he desires prior to the start of free agency. He might not be the player he once was, but Watt\u2019s still a fantastic pass rusher capable of moving all along the defensive front. Every single team in the league would love to have him, but some teams have better chances of landing the five-time All-Pro. J.J. Watt wants a team that can pay him and give him a chance to win a championship, and finding a team that fits those needs might not be easy.<\/p>\n

[pickup_prop id=”4943″]<\/p>\n

Which Team Best Fits J.J. Watt?<\/h2>\n

Tier 1: Most Likely Landing Spots<\/h3>\n

Baltimore Ravens<\/h4>\n

The Baltimore Ravens<\/a> have a knack for getting their hands on great veteran edge defenders. On paper, the Ravens have one of the best all-around rosters in the league. Lamar Jackson<\/a> is a great young quarterback, Mark Andrews<\/a> is one of the best tight ends in the league, and the defense has playmakers at all three levels. Baltimore should remain Super Bowl contenders for the next couple of years, which will definitely be appealing to Watt. Additionally, the team currently has $28.9 million in cap space, meaning that they should be able to pay Watt whatever he wants to come over and compete for a title.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts<\/h4>\n

General manager Chris Ballard has done a wonderful job since arriving in Indianapolis. Taking over for a horribly incompetent Ryan Grigson<\/a>, Ballard turned the Colts from a directionless mess into one of the most complete rosters in the league. He did all despite hardly spending any money, as the Colts are annually among the league leaders in cap space. The same holds true in 2021, as Indianapolis is projected<\/a> to have $78.5 million in available cap space, according to Spotrac. If the Colts can convince Watt that they have a plan at quarterback, then this could be the most attractive landing spot in the league.<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Chargers<\/h4>\n

Despite the underwhelming 7-9 record, the Los Angeles Chargers<\/a> have a lot going for them. Justin Herbert<\/a> took the league by storm last year, and he should be even better in Year 2. Now armed with a better coaching staff and several key players returning to health, it wouldn\u2019t surprise anyone to see the Chargers in the thick of Super Bowl contention next year. Pairing Watt with Joey Bosa<\/a> would give Los Angeles the best pass rushing duo in the league and would help take the annually-underachieving Chargers to the next level.<\/p>\n

Tier 2: Possible J.J. Watt Team Fits<\/h3>\n
\n

With J.J. Watt officially waived today, he can begin receiving calls from NFL teams. I'm told Watt wants to take the weekend before digging into potential options. Going to a contender will be important.<\/p>\n

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 12, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n