One of the biggest subplots of an already eventful 2021 NFL offseason was the decision by the Houston Texans to part ways with JJ Watt. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year and future Hall of Famer ended a decade-long run of success and the greatest player in franchise history. Someone universally beloved in the city. Sadly the team’s salary cap woes and clear rebuild approaching made the move inevitable.
Now Watt is a free agent for the first time. With his career winding down, he has to find a new team. One that gives him an opportunity to change the ring that has eluded him for his entire career. Everybody is anxious to know where that will be. Will he return home to Wisconsin to join the Packers? Maybe he’ll unite with his little brother TJ in Pittsburgh? Perhaps he’ll try to ride the Tom Brady train in Tampa Bay? Others feel Buffalo makes a ton of sense too.
So what about the Chicago Bears?
Most people haven’t really thought about them as a landing spot. They’re too focused on upgrading the offense. Quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver are all pressing concerns. Why would they consider a push to sign Watt when they don’t have a lot of money to spare? The simple answer is a good defense can never have enough good players. Not to mention until a QB is found, that defense is their best hope for success in 2021.
Besides, it’s not like the Bears don’t have an advantage. Chicago has been the recent home of Watt’s beloved wife Kealia, who is a player for the Red Stars of the Women’s Professional Soccer league. Being able to reunite with her is an easy selling point for Watt, especially since he was spotted in the city with her shortly after his departure from Houston became official.
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outdoor date night. @KealiaOhai pic.twitter.com/cvobM6Gsl6
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 14, 2021
JJ Watt is well aware of the benefits of living in Chicago
For him, it starts with the food. Prior to his game against the Bears last season, he admitted he is a huge admirer of restaurants like Portillo’s and Lou Malnati’s. He grew up in Wisconsin so playing in the cold isn’t likely to intimidate him either. Also being a defensive guy, a chance to add to the legacy of great Bears defenders would certainly be fun.
It comes down to whether the organization could convince him to sign there. Nobody would say Chicago is on the cusp of a Super Bowl push. Yes, they’ve made the playoffs in two of the past three seasons but neither trip lasted long. He would be going on a lot of faith that GM Ryan Pace could fortify the roster for a genuine push next season. Not to mention their salary cap situation would require him to take a significant discount.
The truth is it just doesn’t seem feasible.
Not so much because JJ Watt wouldn’t consider it. More because the Bears can’t really afford it. They have bigger fish to fry. Maybe if the 2021 salary cap weren’t such a mess because of the pandemic, things would be different. As things stand, he will likely finish out his career elsewhere.