JJ Watt is a FA

[Rotorhead]

Wow, he asked to be traded, I assume he wants to play for a contender to get a ring, too bad we are in rebuild mode, would be great to have all 3 Watt bros on this team!

[Mojouw]

If he doesn't go home and ring chase with the Packers...I think he ends up in Pittsburgh.

[hawaiiansteeler]

he's not a good fit here unless we switch to a 4-3.

[Mojouw]

he's not a good fit here unless we switch to a 4-3.

He would have to decide that playing even one season with his brothers is more important than anything else. He would be underpaid in Pittsburgh and have to play a situational pass rusher role moving between DE and OLB. He could be used much like how Tampa uses JPP in their version of the 3-4.

It almost certainly will not happen. There are better scheme fits and more cash out there. But I just have a sense that the lure of being able to play with his brothers is going to be far stronger than most fans expect.

[ETL]

He asked to be released and it was granted.

I wonder if he believes if Ben can really win a SB. If not I would take minimum pay and play with Mahomes

[86WARD]

he's not a good fit here unless we switch to a 4-3.

Steelers play enough of everything that they could fit Watt into that mix...easily. Just a matter of whether he would want to pay for nickels and dimes to hang out with his brothers. Which may not be that far out of the realm of possibility.

[Rotorhead]

He asked to be released and it was granted.

I wonder if he believes if Ben can really win a SB. If not I would take minimum pay and play with Mahomes

Yeah, not traded, long week.

[Born2Steel]

he's not a good fit here unless we switch to a 4-3.

@napreport twitts JJ wants to come to Pittsburgh and play a LT/TE hybrid position. Never been done before.

[pczach]

The 3-4, 4-3 thing doesn't even really matter. Everyone talks about the Steelers as a 3-4 team, when they actually play a ton of 4-3 or variants thereof with personnel.

If JJ Watt wants to come here at an affordable number, the defensive schemes won't stand in the way. Make it work to get the best football players on the field and put them in a position to succeed.

I don't know if the team is interested or not. I would think that they would be for the right number to complete the trifecta of Watt brothers. :chuckle:

Tomlin said. "Everyone should have a Watt." Maybe he really didn't mean it and he wants them all for himself.

[Born2Steel]

Will the Texans still have to pay him the $17.5M for 2021 if he's just released?

[hawaiiansteeler]

@napreport twitts JJ wants to come to Pittsburgh and play a LT/TE hybrid position. Never been done before.

but can he play center?

[Born2Steel]

but can he play center?

Another 'never done before'. He will center the ball from the LT/TE hybrid position. Or so Twitts @napreport.

[Lloydwoodsonjr]

Wow, he asked to be traded, I assume he wants to play for a contender to get a ring, too bad we are in rebuild mode, would be great to have all 3 Watt bros on this team!

More like limbo than a rebuild. I feel bad for Heyward, Decastro and other vets.

[DesertSteel]

he's not a good fit here unless we switch to a 4-3.
Yeah that’s what I heard about Aaron Donald when he was being drafted. Great players work anywhere.

[teegre]

I have said it before, and I am saying it again...

JJ will play for the "family discount" price ($8 million?)... basically taking Alualu's spot (cap-wise and snap count).

[hawaiiansteeler]

Yeah that’s what I heard about Aaron Donald when he was being drafted. Great players work anywhere.

where would you put him in our 3-4, nose tackle?

[Mojouw]

where would you put him in our 3-4, nose tackle?

Donald could be:

NT - and basically function like Hargrave but infinity times better.
DE - I mean if Heyward and Tuitt are racking up sacks and plays behind the LOS, WTF would Donald do? Just set up camp in the backfield?

Gone are the days of the down 3 in the Steelers 3-4 being asked to waddle up to the line of scrimmage and grab onto and occupy as many blockers as possible for as long as possible and hope the LBs make the play. All of the D line players/positions are being tasked with working upfield and making plays -- I think that Donald might do okay in that set-up.

[Disco1981]

Donald could be:

NT - and basically function like Hargrave but infinity times better.
DE - I mean if Heyward and Tuitt are racking up sacks and plays behind the LOS, WTF would Donald do? Just set up camp in the backfield?

Gone are the days of the down 3 in the Steelers 3-4 being asked to waddle up to the line of scrimmage and grab onto and occupy as many blockers as possible for as long as possible and hope the LBs make the play. All of the D line players/positions are being tasked with working upfield and making plays -- I think that Donald might do okay in that set-up.

Donald who?

[Mojouw]

Donald who?

Not sure what the thread questions were going towards...I thought that someone was asking how you would use Aaron Donald in the Steelers 3-4? And the answer is basically anyway you can?

As for JJ Watt...he plays a super-sized OLB pass rush role and can even put his hand down and play some DE when needed. Although he is 16 pounds lighter than Alualu...he might even be able to soak up some interior snaps as well.

He would be total luxury piece for the defense...put if he played on a "I just want to play with Derek and TJ" discount...who cares? Just find snaps for him.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Donald could be:

NT - and basically function like Hargrave but infinity times better.
DE - I mean if Heyward and Tuitt are racking up sacks and plays behind the LOS, WTF would Donald do? Just set up camp in the backfield?

Gone are the days of the down 3 in the Steelers 3-4 being asked to waddle up to the line of scrimmage and grab onto and occupy as many blockers as possible for as long as possible and hope the LBs make the play. All of the D line players/positions are being tasked with working upfield and making plays -- I think that Donald might do okay in that set-up.

sorry, I meant JJ Watt.

[lipps83]

I would say it is a pretty likely chance of him coming here. They have such a unique opportunity that would literally be unrivaled in sports. There is a lot of love there between THREE brothers, and love will trump money every time when money is not needed (unless you are ridiculously greedy). He still won't come cheap though.

You know TJ and Derek are both blowing up his phone about it.

The parents probably are too.

They are all in on it.

He will probably sign just so he doesn't have to hear about it from the entire family (uncles/aunts/cousins) if he went elsewhere. He would be the biggest dork of the family.

- - - Updated - - -

He probably wouldn't get invited to any more family gatherings.

[tube517]

Not sure what the thread questions were going towards...I thought that someone was asking how you would use Aaron Donald in the Steelers 3-4? And the answer is basically anyway you can?

As for JJ Watt...he plays a super-sized OLB pass rush role and can even put his hand down and play some DE when needed. Although he is 16 pounds lighter than Alualu...he might even be able to soak up some interior snaps as well.

He would be total luxury piece for the defense...put if he played on a "I just want to play with Derek and TJ" discount...who cares? Just find snaps for him.

Did Houston run a 4-3 defense? I thought Crennel was a 3-4 proponent.

[DesertSteel]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EuChuVEUUAMi8ps?format=jpg&name=large

[DesertSteel]

Good teams adjust the scheme to the talent to put them in the best position to succeed. That would be the case with JJ in the black and gold. He's only 31 and I think can rejuvenate his career much like Kevin Greens did with the Steelers. JJ has already made over $100M and I think would take a team friendly deal to play with his brothers and for a class organization for a change.

[ThorndikeFFA]

Realistically, Watt still has some game left in him, just not as an every down player. Some coach just has to convince him that Watt's best way to maximize his $$$ earning power is to become a situational pass rusher and big drive player. So he plays in the rush end packages on 2nd/3rd and long and only plays every down on 2 or 3 drives per game that are 'must stop' type drives. Keeps the miles and hits off of him, stay healthy, and go rush the QB. That would probably be considered a luxury position/signing for the Steelers, but not outside of the realm of possibilities.

[DesertSteel]

Realistically, Watt still has some game left in him, just not as an every down player.
Are you basing that on his sack totals or from actually watching him play?

[Mojouw]

While Watt's production is down statistically from his previous high standards (looking at non-injury shortened seasons) he was double-teamed more than any other EDGE player last season. I can't remember where I saw it, but he was a visually distinct outlier on the graph - it was that much of a disparity.

What is my point? He must have some "juice" left or NFL teams wouldn't be wasting resources accounting for him. While he may no longer be "JJ Watt DPOY and Destroying of All Offensive Gameplans All the Time", I bet he can still make plays when healthy and on a team with some other good defensive players.

- - - Updated - - -


Did Houston run a 4-3 defense? I thought Crennel was a 3-4 proponent.

No idea. I know Houston had injuries all over the defensive side of the ball last year, particularly at LB. They may have ended up running whatever they had healthy bodies for.

- - - Updated - - -


sorry, I meant JJ Watt.

Yeah. It was actually clear when I read back through. My confusion was from posting without enough caffeine coursing through my sytem!

[ThorndikeFFA]

Like I said, a luxury pick up that will most likely not happen. No, he hasn't been healthy enough to light up the sack totals the last two seasons. That said, does he have gas in the tank? 1/4 of a tank? A team will pick JJ up and, if they use him wisely, his veteran leadership and attitude could pay dividends in some team's playoff run. That's all I'm saying...not advocating for a Steeler signing the Watt Brothers side show. Just sayin...

[vasteeler]

I'm not sure why some of you guys think we're in rebuild mode right now. We are just a running game away from competing for a championship. With a running game and the defense we have, Ben can get us there

[Steel Peon]

I would find this entertaining at least, win or lose, so I'm in favor.

[BlackAndGold]

There are other positions/players that should be more of a priority than signing Watt, whom doesn't have a natural fit on this team.

Fun to think about though.

[Rotorhead]

I'm not sure why some of you guys think we're in rebuild mode right now. We are just a running game away from competing for a championship. With a running game and the defense we have, Ben can get us there

Well, 2 OTs a Center and a RB is basically rebuilding the OL, and with zero cap room that is a lot to ask.

[RunNGun]

I'm not sure why some of you guys think we're in rebuild mode right now. We are just a running game away from competing for a championship. With a running game and the defense we have, Ben can get us there

We are playoff contenders in the process of rebuilding...starting with this draft.

[86WARD]

Well, 2 OTs a Center and a RB is basically rebuilding the OL, and with zero cap room that is a lot to ask.

Plus a WR, 2-3 CBs and a rotational DL...

[silver & black]

I think he said he didn't want to play with his brother/s?

[pczach]

Like I said, a luxury pick up that will most likely not happen. No, he hasn't been healthy enough to light up the sack totals the last two seasons. That said, does he have gas in the tank? 1/4 of a tank? A team will pick JJ up and, if they use him wisely, his veteran leadership and attitude could pay dividends in some team's playoff run. That's all I'm saying...not advocating for a Steeler signing the Watt Brothers side show. Just sayin...



I don't know where you are getting this "1/4 of a tank" stuff. If he's drawing that many double teams, he can still play at a high level. We know he's had some injury history to be concerned about if that's what you mean, but he is still a quality player....just not a lead the NFL in sacks every year guy.

What do you mean a Watt sideshow? TJ is the best edge defender in the NFL, and JJ is one of the best defenders ever that can still play well. This wouldn't be a sideshow. It would be a football decision to bring him here, not to cause a stir or get talked about.

The Watts are maybe the most "about football" people in all of football, so I don't understand the sarcastic comments about truly great players or implying they are more interested in putting on a show than playing football.

The Steelers are always playing to win. I think everyone expecting a complete rebuild or the demise of this team next year is going to be surprised.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Yeah. It was actually clear when I read back through. My confusion was from posting without enough caffeine coursing through my sytem!

what were you thinking? :coffee:

[DesertSteel]

I don't know where you are getting this "1/4 of a tank" stuff. If he's drawing that many double teams, he can still play at a high level. We know he's had some injury history to be concerned about if that's what you mean, but he is still a quality player....just not a lead the NFL in sacks every year guy.

What do you mean a Watt sideshow? TJ is the best edge defender in the NFL, and JJ is one of the best defenders ever that can still play well. This wouldn't be a sideshow. It would be a football decision to bring him here, not to cause a stir or get talked about.

The Watts are maybe the most "about football" people in all of football, so I don't understand the sarcastic comments about truly great players or implying they are more interested in putting on a show than playing football.

The Steelers are always playing to win. I think everyone expecting a complete rebuild or the demise of this team next year is going to be surprised.
I agree. People glance at stats and think they have the full picture. That guy can still play some football and not part time.

[hawaiiansteeler]

the more I think about it, the Packers make a lot of sense since JJ played college ball at Wisconsin and was born and raised there.

[86WARD]

1360243495253008387

[pczach]

the more I think about it, the Packers make a lot of sense since JJ played college ball at Wisconsin and was born and raised there.



No doubt. There's no guarantee he will go to the Steelers.

[Shoes]

the more I think about it, the Packers make a lot of sense since JJ played college ball at Wisconsin and was born and raised there.

Good point, on the other hand it seems like Blood is thicker than water with this family. Should be interesting.

[Mojouw]

If Watt wants cash and a ring chase, he goes to the Packers, Seahawks, Bucs, or some other NFC contender.

If he wants the chance to play and live with his brothets, he takes less money and comes to Pittsburgh.

Chicago is a dark horse because that is where his wife plays pro soccer.

Just for a minute...Imagine Tuitt/Heyward/Watt backed by Watt/Bush/Fancy Draft Pick/One Year Deal Dupree

Essentially the go all the hell in on Ben being that last Peyton Manning season and the defense destroys everything in it's path.

Not going to happen, but fun to think about.

[Mojouw]

Also.... Mojouw conspiracy theory time.

1. Watt got released not traded. Means he told Houston he wanted to control where he went.

2. Watt has made a stack of cash.

3. TJ still has to negotiate a massive extension. But maybe a little less massive now. Like he signs for $115 million instead of $125.

4. Tell Ben you’re going to build a running game and a defense his old man arm can ride to a SB.

5. Mike Tomlin has a plan to assemble all the Watt brothers into a Voltron like robot. So far the NFL hasn’t said it’s illegal...

[ETL]

Wattsburgh Steelers!

get every player with Wat- or Watt - in their name.

Deshaun?!?!

[Shoes]

Wattsburgh Steelers!

get every player with Wat- or Watt - in their name.

Deshaun?!?!

:chuckle:

[teegre]

5. Mike Tomlin has a plan to assemble all the Watt brothers into a Voltron like robot. So far the NFL hasn’t said it’s illegal...

And, like Voltron, the Steelers will mess around with the opponent until they final use the SWORD (a deep TD pass to Claypool). In turn, Steelers fans will repeatedly ask, “Why not use the SWORD from the get go!?!​”

[Mojouw]

And, like Voltron, the Steelers will mess around with the opponent until they final use the SWORD (a deep TD pass to Claypool). In turn, Steelers fans will repeatedly ask, “Why not use the SWORD from the get go!?!​”

This absolutely made my day.

Maybe shift Derek to ILB and run an all Watt stack? Just like when the individual Voltron lions overwhelm a low level bad guy.

[Shoes]

This absolutely made my day.

Maybe shift Derek to ILB and run an all Watt stack? Just like when the individual Voltron lions overwhelm a low level bad guy.

:lol:

[hawaiiansteeler]

Here’s the full list of Watt’s odds at BetOnline:

Pittsburgh Steelers 3/2

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2/1

Baltimore Ravens 6/1

Green Bay Packers 6/1

Dallas Cowboys 9/1

Los Angeles Rams 12/1

New England Patriots 12/1

Cleveland Browns 14/1

https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2021/02/jj-watt-free-agency-steelers-and-buccaneers-have-best-odds-to-land-star-de-patriots-make-the-list.html

[FrancoLambert]

If Watt wants cash and a ring chase, he goes to the Packers, Seahawks, Bucs, or some other NFC contender.

If he wants the chance to play and live with his brothets, he takes less money and comes to Pittsburgh.

Chicago is a dark horse because that is where his wife plays pro soccer.

Just for a minute...Imagine Tuitt/Heyward/Watt backed by Watt/Bush/Fancy Draft Pick/One Year Deal Dupree

Essentially the go all the hell in on Ben being that last Peyton Manning season and the defense destroys everything in it's path.

Not going to happen, but fun to think about.

That front seven would be fun to watch.

Still need a running game...Ben alone won’t cut it.

[teegre]

For the Watts, family trumps everything else.

It’s why I feel JJ is a lock to play for the Steelers.

[DesertSteel]

Watt player is in best position to structure his new contract in such a way as to accommodate playing with his brother??

[hawaiiansteeler]

J.J. Watt signs with Cardinals

Posted by Michael David Smith on March 1, 2021

Amid widespread speculation about where free agent defensive lineman J.J. Watt will end up, Watt himself dropped the surprise announcement today: He’s a Cardinal.

Watt tweeted a picture of himself working out, wearing an Arizona Cardinals shirt.

In a not-so-subtle statement about some inaccurate rumors that have been floating around about Watt’s whereabouts, Watt made it clear who the news is coming from with two words: “Source: me.”

Watt is reportedly signing a two-year, $31 million contract with $23 million guaranteed.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/03/01/j-j-watt-signs-with-cardinals/

[Mojouw]

So once again...pro athlete talks about wanting to be in a competitive team, win championships, and all those "priorities". Then a team backs up a truckload of money to their house and Bam - priorities shifted.

Like Arizona is a fun franchise and should be increasingly competitive. But if Watt wants to ring chase...I think the Cards are more than a year away.

This is not sour grapes that Watt didn't sign with the Steelers or Packers. I really don't care and hope that JJ Watt plays well for many more seasons with the Cardinals. I'm just saying that athletes will almost always take the cash.

[DesertSteel]

I’d disagree that the Cardinals aren’t close. I think the win the NFC West this year.

[Mojouw]

I’d disagree that the Cardinals aren’t close. I think the win the NFC West this year.

They could. But the little I saw of them last year indicated that secondary was a mess and Patrick Peterson isn't getting any younger. I think they likely take a step forward on offense, and with Watt that front 7 should be pretty good...but I just don't see them consistently stopping anyone.

Of course...one impact rookie and it all changes.

I am still willing to bet that Watt took that highest $$$ offer.

[dislocatedday]

They could. But the little I saw of them last year indicated that secondary was a mess and Patrick Peterson isn't getting any younger. I think they likely take a step forward on offense, and with Watt that front 7 should be pretty good...but I just don't see them consistently stopping anyone.

Of course...one impact rookie and it all changes.

I am still willing to bet that Watt took that highest $$$ offer.

I think you are right in regards to "Money Talks", otherwise I think he would have gone to Packers. I think the Cardinals can be very competitive, and he can help them...................so while it may not be 100% about the most money he can get, I guess the money likely counted for at least 75% of his decision. $15.5 million per year with $23 million guaranteed is a large sum of money for an older play who is not as dominant as he once was.

[DesertSteel]

Maybe he believes that he is still a difference maker instead of a complementary player, someone who can take a team that’s close and put them over the top.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Maybe he believes that he is still a difference maker instead of a complementary player, someone who can take a team that’s close and put them over the top.

the Cardinals certainly must think so.

Chandler Jones and JJ Watt make a couple of pretty tough bookends.

[EzraTank]

So once again...pro athlete talks about wanting to be in a competitive team, win championships, and all those "priorities". Then a team backs up a truckload of money to their house and Bam - priorities shifted.

Like Arizona is a fun franchise and should be increasingly competitive. But if Watt wants to ring chase...I think the Cards are more than a year away.

This is not sour grapes that Watt didn't sign with the Steelers or Packers. I really don't care and hope that JJ Watt plays well for many more seasons with the Cardinals. I'm just saying that athletes will almost always take the cash.

Exactly. It shows you these guys only care about money over winning. And hey I can't blame them, if I could make enough money in 10-15 years of my life to last me multiple lifetimes I'd do it to. Heck if winning wasn't important to me I would only play in states that didn't have income taxes either (FL, TX, WA, NV, etc). Think about it, if you could make $10+ million/yr over 10-15 year career you could easily live like a king the rest of your life if you were disciplined enough to live off of 20% of your salary every year and invest the rest into the market. By time you retired you could have over $200 million in the bank assuming the markets make 8% (normal longterm market percentage).

[Mojouw]

Exactly. It shows you these guys only care about money over winning. And hey I can't blame them, if I could make enough money in 10-15 years of my life to last me multiple lifetimes I'd do it to. Heck if winning wasn't important to me I would only play in states that didn't have income taxes either (FL, TX, WA, NV, etc). Think about it, if you could make $10+ million/yr over 10-15 year career you could easily live like a king the rest of your life if you were disciplined enough to live off of 20% of your salary every year and invest the rest into the market. By time you retired you could have over $200 million in the bank assuming the markets make 8% (normal longterm market percentage).

Sounds like a plan to me! I don't begrudge these guys a nickel nor do I dispute the reality of big a$$ contracts are difficult to say no to.

I kinda just wish that everyone involved (athletes, fans, writers, pundits, etc.) could just skip the whole performance theater where we everyone has to pretend this isn't ultimately about cash.

The Wu-Tang knew "C.R.E.A.M./Get the money"

https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000014188154-2mc6d9-t500x500.jpg

[Fire Goodell]

dolla dolla bills yallllllll

[Shoes]

Sounds like a plan to me! I don't begrudge these guys a nickel nor do I dispute the reality of big a$$ contracts are difficult to say no to.

I kinda just wish that everyone involved (athletes, fans, writers, pundits, etc.) could just skip the whole performance theater where we everyone has to pretend this isn't ultimately about cash.

The Wu-Tang knew "C.R.E.A.M./Get the money"

https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000014188154-2mc6d9-t500x500.jpg




Don't worry, Ben will show us it's not about the cash! :chuckle:

[Steeler-in-west]

Nothing wrong with how he went about it. can’t exactly say I’m signing only for the money, sure to get backlash from fans and some teammates that way. Have to at least appear that your looking for a team where you can ‘fit in and win’ gotta go through the motions, it’s the way it is, even though it’s not completely sincere (it’s called protecting your brand)

im just glad he didn’t go to the ravens or brownies http://www.steelersuniverse.com/forums/blob:http://www.steelersuniverse.com/eb366773-025e-491e-9cd7-c12ca57e63e3