A JJ Watt Bears discussion? It feels somewhat awkward to have with Chicago in the midst of battling for its life this season. Yet teams always have to look to the future as well as the present. A lot of people are talking about what the future holds for the Houston Texans star pass rusher and future Hall of Famer. Is 2020 his last season with the team? There are warning signs it could be headed that way.
For starters, the Texans just aren’t a good team right now. Their roster is in desperate need of a reboot. They have no 1st or 2nd round picks in the upcoming draft. On top of that? They’re projected to be $16 million over the projected salary cap for 2021. They’re likely going to do some serious remodeling this spring and it will start with unloading expensive veteran contract.
Watt tops that list.
He has no guaranteed money left on his contract. Cutting him would give Houston $17.5 million in additional cap space. As much as he means to the organization and the city, most NFL players don’t get to end their careers with their original teams. Watt himself even said he’s not interested in waiting around while the Texans rebuild. At 31-years old, he’s running out of time.
“I don’t think it’s any secret that I don’t have 10 years left in this league. I personally believe that I do have a few more great ones left in me. But you also can’t … I’m not looking to rebuild. I’m looking to go after a championship, and that’s what I want to do. So, whatever is in the best interest of the Houston Texans, that’s in the best interest of myself.”
So what happens if Houston does move on? That means Watt becomes a free agent. They may try to trade him but that contract number will likely deter teams uninterested in paying so much for a guy clearly on the downside of his career. Do the Chicago Bears have a shot at him if they wish to take it?
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Why a JJ Watt Bears union isn’t impossible
The good news with Watt is he likely won’t be chasing a big payday. It’s not about money for him anymore. He’s made almost all of the $100 million contract he signed years ago with Houston. Odds are he would be willing to take a discount deal to play for a good team. Chicago isn’t elite but they are still one of the better teams in the league. Especially on defense.
Watt is a defensive guy. Just imagine the thoughts going through his head at the opportunity to play on the same front as Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks. Even if it’s for a short time, that pass rush could be something special. Provided everybody stays healthy. Not only that, but the Bears also have the advantage of location, location, location.
Watt’s wife is already located in Chicago.
Kealia Watt was a member of the Houston Dash for six seasons in the National Women’s Soccer League. However, earlier in January, she was traded to the Chicago Red Stars. A moment that disappointed her husband who loved having her nearby for so many years. Being able to reunite with her in Chicago would no doubt appeal to him in addition to the other factors mentioned.
What this comes down to is baiting the hook. A JJ Watt Bears plan hinges on one thing. Can the team find a quarterback that would interest the star defensive end enough to sign? This is a tall order given their track record. Mitch Trubisky was a major flop. Nick Foles isn’t showing any signs he can be the guy either. It feels like they’re headed back to the draft to resume their search again.
So unless they miraculously land Dak Prescott, they’re going to be banking on a rookie next year. That would make the sales pitch quite difficult given Watt’s noted comments. Then again, he watches college football too. If he has a strong belief in the QB they pick? Everything else could fall into place.