Don’t expect a decision for J.J. Watt’s new team anytime soon

When it became public that J.J. Watt was becoming a free agent after the Houston Texans decided to grant his release, speculation ran rampant throughout the NFL.

Would he go to a team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to try and get a ring?

Would he go to the Arizona Cardinals after DeAndre Hopkins tried recruiting him?

Would he go to the Green Bay Packers, considering his connection to Wisconsin?

Or would he go to the Pittsburgh Steelers and play with his brothers T.J. and Derek?

Most thought Watt’s decision would be quick, considering he didn’t have to wait for the new league year to sign with a team. Instead, Watt has been taking his time. In fact, he took to Twitter, in a response from a fan, to explain he is taking his time deciding where his next team/city will be:

There might be more to Watt taking his time than just him being patient. NFL teams have no idea what the 2021 salary cap will be, and unless he goes to a team like the Cleveland Browns, who has salary cap space to spare, teams like the Steelers can’t offer anything until they know just how much wiggle room they have to work with.

Some suggest Watt’s game has declined, but he is still a very versatile player who has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards. There is something to be said about a player with that experience and pedigree. I mean, he did register 128 starts, 101 sacks, 172 tackles for loss, 282 quarterback hits, 25 forced fumbles and 16 fumble recoveries in 10 seasons with the Texans.

Where will Watt land? Where will he be playing in 2021? Fans around the NFL want to know, and rightfully so, but it doesn’t look like that decision will be happening anytime soon. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the new league year, NFL Free Agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.