When JJ Watt announced that he’d be signing with the Arizona Cardinals weeks after the Houston Texans granted him his release, NFL fans collectively said, “Really?” And it’s safe to say Indianapolis Colts fans were a bit shocked too.
That’s not a shot at the Cards, it’s just that Watt’s top priority is adding a Super Bowl to his decorated résumé.
Arizona has a good team, but do they give him the best chance?
They’re in a stacked NFC West division, could be losing a number of key free agents in Patrick Peterson and Dan Arnold, and are hardly mentioned in the “contender” conversation.
Who knows, maybe that changes next year.
But when you consider, according to the latest rumors, that Watt had higher offers from actual playoff teams, like the Browns, Titans and COLTS, it’s even harder to understand the former three-time Defensive Player of the Year’s choice.
The deal JJ Watt signed with the Cardinals was NOT the most he was offered. The Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts each offered more money. Tennessee's offer was very similar.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) March 1, 2021
Again, this is a rumor, as it’s only been divulged by one party, but it’s really not unfathomable to imagine this could’ve been the case.
The Browns and Colts have very favorable cap situations and would’ve given Watt the opportunity to be a key cog on two of the league’s best defenses. Tennessee would’ve had to do some financial tinkering, but they would’ve made it work if it meant drastically improving their pass rush.
Did JJ Watt turn down more money from the Colts?
However, this hits different for Colts fans. Why would Watt not want to stay within a weak AFC South and get revenge on his former team with Indy? He’d be playing alongside star pass rusher DeForest Buckner with All-Pro Darius Leonard backing him up.
And the offense just got a shot in the arm with the addition of Carson Wentz, who’s reuniting with the coach that turned him into a star. How were the Cardinals more appealing than that? Arizona hasn’t been to the postseason in five years and have made it there just twice since 2010.
My two cents: Why would Watt turn down more money from a solid playoff team to go to a team that will be lucky to make the playoffs? Doesn’t add up.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) March 2, 2021
But here we are, with a conflicting report. As we had suspected, based on the price Arizona paid for Watt, it was hard to believe the Colts were going to be that aggressive when they still need to address a number of important positions like left tackle, wide receiver, pass rusher and cornerback. And they’ll have restricted funds after taking on Wentz’s contract in the trade with the Eagles.
Watt’s not one to shy away from calling out inaccurate reports, so let’s see if he clarifies this one. Because if it’s true, we’d love to hear his reasoning.
Colts: JJ Watt’s contract with Cardinals probably would’ve been too risky for Indy
JJ Watt's contract with the Cardinals probably would've been too risky for the Colts given their cap situation and other areas of need.