FILE PHOTO: Dec 6, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus (59) react after a play during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
February 17, 2021
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt is reportedly “seriously considering” taking his talents to the Cleveland Browns amid teams and players putting on the full-court press for the defensive end’s services in 2021.
Watt and the Houston Texans agreed to part ways late last week. Watt asked for his release and got it after 10 seasons with the club.
Cleveland.com reported Tuesday that Watt finds the Browns an attractive landing spot because they’re now positioned well to make a Super Bowl run. Further, the Browns have $21.7 million in cap space; Watt was set to make $17.5 million in 2021.
Plus, defensive end Myles Garrett (12 sacks in 2020) is on the other side.
But there’s competition for the five-time All-Pro. Tennessee general manager Jon Robinson said Tuesday that the Titans have reached out to Watt’s agents. Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Green Bay are also potential suitors. However, the Steelers and Packers are $30 million and $19 million over the cap, respectively.
Watt’s former teammate in Houston, Arizona wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, also took to social media Tuesday to woo Watt, photo-shopping Watt in a Cardinals uniform. Free agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster told Watt to “come play with your brothers” in Pittsburgh.
The Browns reached out to Watt’s agents Friday after his release from Houston, per the report.
Watt is Houston’s all-time leader in sacks with 101, tackles for loss (172), quarterback hits (282) and forced fumbles (25). He has 531 career tackles, 61 passes defensed and 16 fumble recoveries since the Texans made him the No. 11 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.
–Field Level Media
