Packers rumored to be one of three teams in mix for J.J. Watt
The dream of the Green Bay Packers bringing J.J. Watt home is still very much alive.
NFL reporter John Clayton ruled out the Pittsburgh Steelers as a landing spot, while also naming the three times most likely to sign the former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Packers are among them, along with the Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills, while Clayton also noted the Las Vegas Raiders as a less likely possible destination for Watt.
.@JohnClaytonNFL says JJ Watt won't be coming to Pittsburgh. Tennessee, Green Bay, and Buffalo are the 3 teams. Raiders as a dark horse.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) February 24, 2021
How the Packers would make a deal work financially is unclear, although one would have to imagine that if Watt decides to sign with Green Bay, he’d be willing to accept less money for the opportunity to chase a Super Bowl ring with his childhood team.
Interestingly, the three teams listed by Clayton not only excludes the Steelers, but also the Cleveland Browns, a team considered to be one of the top landing spots for Watt.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Watt’s decision isn’t “imminent” but he added that Watt is in “the process of narrowing his options”. The new league year and the beginning of free agency is still a few weeks off, but it’s probably safe to assume Watt will have decided where he’ll be playing football in 2021 long before then.
It’s hardly surprising that the Packers are in contention. They are one of the best teams in the NFL and have been close to returning to the Super Bowl the past two seasons. Aaron Rodgers is once again NFL MVP, while the defense has a number of young stars to build around.
If the Packers had lots of cap space to work with, it would be hard for any free agent to turn them down, especially Watt given his Wisconsin connection.
We all still eagerly await Watt’s decision, but it’s good to know the Packers are still in the mix.