*EDIT* Shortly after the publication of this article, John Clayton clarified that the three teams mentioned are leading for J.J. Watt, not that they are the only three teams remaining.
Well, there is still a chance! Big news surrounding the J.J. Watt Sweepstakes has arrived once again, and it’s pleasing to Packer fan’s ears.
According to 93.7 The Fan’s (PIT) Andrew Fillipponi, former ESPN analyst John Clayton stated that J.J. Watt has eliminated the Steelers from contention to sign him. Further, Clayton revealed that the Packers, Titans, and Bills are the three main teams remaining. In addition to those three, the Raiders remain a dark horse.
This is one of the clearest pictures yet that the Packers are well in the running for the former Badger. Since his release from the Texans on February 12, the speculation regarding Watt’s potential move to Titletown has been running rampant. Now, that speculation is on the horizon of possibly coming to fruition. With the Packers shedding cap room in recent weeks through contract restructures and releases, it appears that Watt is taking serious notice of this.
Now, looking at what each of the three teams has to offer the three-time DPOY, the Packers should well be at the top of the mix. For one, the location is perfect, as Watt is a Wisconsin native. Not to mention, his wife Kealia Ohia plays for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League.
Looking to the football side of things, the Packers are coming off two of their best seasons in recent memory. With back-to-back division titles and conference championship appearances on their side, the Pack can provide Watt a win-now environment. The Bills do certainly possess some young talent and a bright future, though, and the Titans have had recent success of their own. Things being equal, though, Watt may take the chance to come home and win a ring in the twilight of his career.
The speculation will still be rampant, of course, as it has been throughout the process. For now, however, Packers fans can get excited, for the hometown boy is very much interested in returning.
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