JJ Watt and the Green Bay Packers have long been mentioned as an ideal fit for each other. However, Watt has been one of the main faces of the Houston Texans franchise and many thought he would end up finishing his career there. That could have changed following the 2020 season.
It was very clear at the end of the year that Watt was not happy with the way the Texans’ franchise is being run. Deshaun Watson seems upset as well. Both players could very well ask to be moved this offseason.
A sports radio host, John Lopez, reported that the Texans are likely to move Watt this offseason. He would like a new chapter to finish his career and Houston seems more likely to oblige him than they have in years past.
Watt ending up with the Packers would be a homecoming party for him. He grew up in Wisconsin and was a superstar for the Wisconsin Badgers. The fans in Green Bay already love him and Watt has made comments about the franchise in the past.
“It’s an incredible fan base that they have. Incredible people, obviously. I was fortunate to grow up there. I absolutely respect and appreciate the loyalty that their fan base has to that team.”
According to Max Staley of Fan Duel, the Packers have a chance to acquire JJ Watt this offseason. If they ever want to bring him in, this offseason would be the time to do it.
During the 2020 season with the Texans, Watt ended up recording 52 total tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception, one defensive touchdown, and seven defended passes. His sack numbers may not have been high, but he is still a stat stuffing machine.
Watt is 31 years old now and his prime is quickly leaving him. But, if the Packers were to acquire him this offseason, he would have a couple years left to make a major impact. Alongside Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, and Rashan Gary, Watt would help form the league’s scariest pass rush.
Brian Gutekunst may not look to swing for the fences on a trade for Watt. The Packers have quite a few of their own free agents they need to sign and may not want to bring in more salary. If the opportunity is right though, Watt to the Packers makes a ton of sense.
This could be something to keep an eye on this offseason. JJ Watt and the Packers have always been a rumor for a perfect fit, and fans would love to see it.
