Update: According to TexansDaily.com a source close to the situation says the Packers signing JJ Watt is the “most likely scenario.”
In an article written by Nick Shook of nfl.com, the Packers are listed as one of a handful of potential teams to acquire free agent JJ Watt. There are definitely some hurdles to clear for it to happen but there are also many reasons to believe both parties would be interested. Let’s recap the reasons why the Packers might land him, and what would obstacles are in their way.
Green Bay Packers!!!
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 7, 2011
Why JJ Watt Could be a Packer
As we’ve previously discussed on our site, JJ loves Wisconsin. It’s his home state and his love for the area runs deep. Despite the cold weather, JJ still resides in Wisconsin during the offseason.
Additionally, multiple sources have said that the biggest factor in his decision is that he wants to contribute to a Super Bowl contender. The Packers fit this mold for sure. With Aaron Rodgers at the helm Green Bay will always have a chance at a championship. Falling just short of the Super Bowl again for the fourth time in seven years, it’s clear they are very close to getting there.
With the current defensive end starters consisting of Dean Lowry and Tyler Lancaster, JJ Watt would be an obvious major upgrade. While Watt is no longer a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, his production hasn’t dropped off much. If he can stay healthy, he could be the missing piece to get Green Bay over the hump.
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Money Talks
The main thing keeping Green Bay from what is clear. The Packers don’t have much cap space to squeeze him in even if many cuts are made due to the pandemic dropping the cap significantly. So essentially the Packers have to hope there isn’t another Super Bowl contender out there willing to pay much more than they can. Not to mention he will already have to take a significant hometown discount if Green Bay wants to be able to add anyone else this offseason.
If JJ has determined he’s made enough money already and the only thing that matters to him is a Super Bowl, then there’s a good chance he comes to Green Bay. But if he’d still like to be paid top-dollar for his talents the Packers have no shot. Will Watt value competing for a championship in his home state over anything else? Only time will tell.
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