The J.J. Watt Option
February 12th, 2021
Released.
Joe has seen chatter in the comments, and got social media feedback, so Joe thought this was the time to write something.
Of course, future Hall of Fame defensive lineman J.J. Watt was released this morning by Houston. He is free to go wherever he wants.
Since Super Bowl-winning Bucs coach Bucco Bruce arrived, it seems the Bucs have been far more open to going after name free agents past their primes or unemployed for a variety of reasons. Shady McCoy, Playoff Lenny and furniture-tossing, bicycle-throwing Antonio Brown spring to mind.
Would or could Watt be another? Joe suspects Watt won’t be unemployed for too long but Watt is not the same elite player we all think of when his name is mentioned.
Now depending on who you read, either Watt is still very good or he is shot. Statistically, Watt just recorded his worst year of his career when starting a full season. Only twice since 2015 has Watt played in more than eight games in a year.
Watt is a high-class character guy and an awesome locker room dude. Joe doesn’t know if he has anything left in his tank and the numbers suggest that tank is on fumes.
In Joe’s eyes, making Bucs sack king Shaq Barrett happy should be priority No. 1A for Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht this offseason (No. 1B should be Chris Godwin, No. 2 should be Ryan Succop).
The only way Joe would bring in Watt would be as a role player. He can play all sorts of positions on the defensive line, four-down or three-down linemen. He can be a virtual plug-and-play guy off the bench and give defensive coordinator Todd Bowles flexibility to do a lot of things.
Banking on the brittle soon-to-be 32-year old as a full-time starter isn’t worth the risk or the cost unless Watt wants to work on the cheap.
February 12th, 2021 at 11:55 am
Watt might make sense if Suh isn’t here.
February 12th, 2021 at 11:55 am
By the Texans.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:00 pm
What is a 4-3 defensive end who doesn’t fit here schematically. That doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have value of course, depending on who we are able to resign and what he expects dollar wise. He’s definitely not option one though. Chances are he gets signed before we fully know what all our options are.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:02 pm
He could definitely be a role player on obvious passing downs, but my guess is he wants to be a starter somewhere.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:03 pm
Someone will sill pay him $10 Large. HE’s not worth that and that’s too expensive for what he offers, especially his brittleness, considering Suh could very well agree to play foor $5 Large.
Signing LVD is more iimportant than signing Shaq.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:06 pm
A downgrade for sure..
February 12th, 2021 at 12:10 pm
LVD is most important followed by Godwin followed by Shaq. I place a lot of importance on pass rush but keeping our LB unit intact and Godwin with Mike to lock down the WR corps is slightly more important. JJ Watt or a DE/OLB pick is not a bad backup option. I’m more concerned replacing Godwin and/or LVD.
swampbuc. We would happily pay him 10 large. I think he’s looking for dignificantly more than that and I don’t care what he said before. He’s got Drew Greasenhaus representing him. The hometown discount would be minimal if any at all. I think Shaq will chase the money. If cap is as expected for the upcoming year, I can’t see being able to sign all our FAs
February 12th, 2021 at 12:11 pm
I suspect he’d make an OLB and not a 3-4 down lineman.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:13 pm
I suspect he’s looking for a SB, and not a fat paycheck.
What does Asst. GM Tompa Brady say? 😉
February 12th, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Proof read. Is that so difficult?
February 12th, 2021 at 12:14 pm
I think this all works well for us. We can tell Shaq…you are the guy we want…but lets see if we can get a framework, and if not, JJ is out there. Same thing with Chris G….. We want you, but Odell wants here. As does AB. And see where everyone stands.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:17 pm
Y’all obviously don’t watch football with some of the comments he is a “4-3 defensive end” and “suspect he’d make a OLB not a 3-4 defensive lineman”…my God people. Watt has played a 5-technique as a 3-4 defensive lineman EVERY year he was dominating!! I’m not saying we should sign him, but its the very same position Suh plays for us now. So to one commenters credit, I agree, we don’t need to sign him if we have Suh. Besides, Khalil Davis and Jeremiah Ledbetter are improving and much cheaper. If Suh walks, maybe, but then I’d focus on drafting that position with the 32nd pick, if not another edge rusher.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:17 pm
I think LVD should be our top priority.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:18 pm
It’s like the old days for Joe at EIU and me at ISU. When there were multiple girls that wanted us, all we had to do is let them compete for us. Nothing wrong with a little competition.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:22 pm
If he wants league minimum and a chance to win a ring bring him in.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:23 pm
Lovie Smith: We cut Darrelle Revis in his prime, we definitely don’t need Watt.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Watt=Green Bay
February 12th, 2021 at 12:25 pm
If JJ Watt has no problem getting a paycut that fits the BUCS budget, then why not. We can switch old guys in and out and keeps them fresh all the way to SB LVI 🙂
February 12th, 2021 at 12:27 pm
Well, hold on there, Joe-in-the-third-person. Watt’s sack numbers were down in 2020. However, he was significant in pass defense; 7 pass breakups, which were his highest since 2014. He had his 2nd pick-6 on Thanksgiving. He also forced 2 fumbles with 5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Did I mention that he played all 16 games, after being out the prior year?
Consider that some don’t get back to full speed, until the year after their injury. And JJ is not 32, yet. High character. Wants to win. BTW, ever seen high on the ice? He’s a pretty good hockey player. Love those multi-athletes…like Wirfs.
Don’t forget: Brady is washed up; cannot even throw the long ball.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:29 pm
Washed up and fake leader. Bucs need to focus on getting a valuable DB in free agency.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:30 pm
It all depends on Suh tbh, Or if they decide to let Gholston go.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:32 pm
Priority –
David
Godwin
Succop
Gronk – Brady ‘s b**
Shaq is out. Fournette is out. Shaq can’t be over Godwin. Who is replacing Godwin long term ?
1st rd – pass rusher. Plus the free agent class this year is deep.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:34 pm
Adrian Peterson , Carlos Hyde or even leveon bell can fit nicely behind rojo amd Vaughn.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:35 pm
No Thanks. 4-3 guy does not fit the program. Can he be converted? I just see this as a waste of time.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:35 pm
If we can get our own signed then add in watt for rotation for cheap I see that as being a win. He could help take some of the snaps off of JPP to keep him fresh and could help Shaq if we are able to keep him. Last year when jpp didn’t play a couple games Shaq wasn’t himself and vise versus with jpp. Then this year vea went out and these guys couldn’t get a sack for several weeks injuries do happen why not add depth if we can
February 12th, 2021 at 12:35 pm
“This is the exact reason Kobe Faker wanted to give $17 mill per year max deal to his fullback part time player Derek Watt”
Kobe GM Faker
February 12th, 2021 at 12:37 pm
Steven007 wrong wrong watt was in a 3-4 d for years also.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:38 pm
Might want to play with his brothers.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:39 pm
JJ Watt yes!!! OBJ Hell NO!
February 12th, 2021 at 12:41 pm
I agree you sign LVD and Godwin before Shaq.
I really believe our interior makes anybody look good.
Shaq shouldn’t break the bank in Tampa.
Look at how that affects teams.
Just keep the winning culture and find another Shaq.
Could be Cam Gill next year or a draft pick.
BA already said LVD ain’t going anywhere, not Shaq.
Let him chase money with Detroit.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:43 pm
8 Mill for Watt is better than 18 Mill for Shaq. PERIOD.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:45 pm
Billy Buc, I agree with you there based on dollars.
February 12th, 2021 at 12:52 pm
you left lavonte off your list
February 12th, 2021 at 12:57 pm
Cobraboy Says:
February 12th, 2021 at 12:13 pm
I suspect he’s looking for a SB, and not a fat paycheck.
What does Asst. GM Tompa Brady say?
*************************************
Tommy Boy is still recouperating from the boat parade
Ask him on Monday!
February 12th, 2021 at 12:59 pm
58 and 90 dominated the NFC Championship and Super Bowl… Pass-rush has to remain the top priority. Shaq has earned his dough here. Godwin too.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:03 pm
Can’t understand why people think maxing out Godwin is smart considering our depth at WR. AB still has it and could probably be signed to a team friendly contract. Tyler Johnson and Miller can take on bigger roles as well. Not to mention OJ Howard coming back from injury and Gronk resigning.
Y’all forget very quickly how historically bad this defense was with garbage DEs. I like Godwin and it would be nice if we could retain him, but if it’s an either/or, that money would be better spent on defense, LVD, Suh, Shaq.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:05 pm
We need to let Shaq Barrett walk. Keep Lavonte, Suh and Vita. They make Shaq not the other way around
February 12th, 2021 at 1:09 pm
Idiots on the Buccaneers Facebook group are suggesting letting Shaq walk and replacing him with Watt…. and nobody is calling him out for the fact that they play two different positions… I would except… that whole constantly being in Facebook jail thing.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:13 pm
I agree, spend the money on defense. Brady has proven in New England he can win a title with average receivers.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:21 pm
@ Chris@Apple
I’m not entirely sure but I think that’s one of the reasons he left NE
February 12th, 2021 at 1:22 pm
I did not realize that Watt had played a 3-4 defensive scheme in the past. I just do not think he is the right fit for what Todd would be looking for is all. Sure the cost may be better but eh, who knows really. It is very early to really be discussing the futures of all of these players given the fact that the NFL has not handed down the CAP decision as of yet that I know of. All players want money but some just want a ring. I like team first players as opposed to gimme money guys. GO BUCS!!!
February 12th, 2021 at 1:25 pm
Defense wins championships. Spend the $ on defense.
The offense is going to be good with or without Godwin especially now that the Bucs have a great offensive line.
If you have a really good offense with no pass rush then your no better than the Atlanta Falcons.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:29 pm
Shaq, David, and Succop would be my priorities. If signing Godwin costs us signing one of our top defensive guys in the next 2 years, you gotta let em go. He’s not as good as Mike, but he is far better than barely above average players like Amari and Keenan that are making 20+ million per year. I just don’t see Godwin as a 20+ million guy and their is no need to be stupid like other teams have been recently by throwing a bank vault at him (the Cardinals paying the incredibly overrated DeAndre Hopkins what they did is insane!).
At worst, franchise Godwin and if he kills it while staying healthy for all 16 games, pay him like a star. He ain’t there yet.
If Watt comes dirt cheap then fine, but I’d rather draft a pass rusher early and have him !earn behind what we’ve got. I don’t think that Suh and Shaq are going anywhere.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:34 pm
Fans who think we should replace Shaq Barrett with J.J Watt…….turn off the Xbox it isn’t Madden.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:34 pm
Suh has been there game after game, I can’t even remember a game he wasn’t in the lineup. Sorry Watt, you’ve had a remarkable career, but maybe you should go finish it up in GB.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:37 pm
I agree with the draft idea but at the 32nd pick our first rounder will really be a 2nd rounder which isn’t bad either but all the best will already be gone.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:37 pm
JP, Suh, Shaq, and V2 make up the the best DL in the NFL…..no reason to change something that ain’t broke, so please run that DL up the flag pole again Bucs in ’21!
February 12th, 2021 at 1:41 pm
I would not even entertain Watt until we have all our guys signed and that also includes getting both Suh and Brown back.
February 12th, 2021 at 1:49 pm
We don’t really draft d lineman
So J.J. come off the bench
30 snaps a
Game
4 mil a year
February 12th, 2021 at 2:06 pm
Hope someone “Breaks the Bank” on him to take them out of contention for shaq lol
February 12th, 2021 at 2:10 pm
Destinjohnny … That’s exactly how I’d approach JJW.
Team friendly deal. He comes off the bench and plays all DL positions.
JJW would keep JPP, Gholston, Suh, and himself fresh for the season.
I like it. A lot.
February 12th, 2021 at 2:18 pm
“Of course, future Hall of Fame defensive lineman J.J. Watt was released this morning by the Bucs. So he is free to go wherever he wants.”
………………….
Really? I didn’t know that the Bucs had JJ Watt last yr.
I will be your proofreader for FREE. All I ask is get me out of the corner and send me the articles before you release them. 🙂
February 12th, 2021 at 2:38 pm
JJ is leaving because he is old and he wants more money….we can’t pay him and cant give long term contract…..so down he goes…. lol. No need for him.
February 12th, 2021 at 2:41 pm
DeAndre Hopkins overrated? lol
February 12th, 2021 at 2:57 pm
So Joe I guess your ok with letting Lavonte Go Suh go and Playoff Lenny Go and AB geesh
February 12th, 2021 at 3:07 pm
Oh, here we go. Same stuff Joe dished out on Brady. Eventually he may get one right.
February 12th, 2021 at 3:07 pm
Looking at his snap count, and he was playing around 90-95% of all plays last year for Houston and had a lot of tackles. Generally, when you’re talking about all-time great players, they’ll have one sort of mediocre year towards the end of their career, then follow it up with one last good season before falling off a cliff. Based on his playtime and tackles, I’m guessing JJ is going to have a good year in 2021 when he’s on a much better team and surrounded by better talent.
Swapping him and Suh would be a win for the Bucs I think. While a 3-4 DE isn’t the natural position for Suh or Watt, Suh certainly made it work, and I don’t think Watt would have any issues making it work either. You might lose a little in the running game, but you’d get a much better pass rusher.
The issue is salary cap and how much Watt wants to win a SB vs make money — and if he thinks the Bucs are going to repeat. Based on the cap situation I doubt the Bucs could offer more than like $6-7m or so, same offer they’d probably give Suh.
February 12th, 2021 at 3:07 pm
Youngbuc, I stand corrected. He did indeed play plenty three four fronts.
February 12th, 2021 at 3:24 pm
People who think he’s strictly a 4-3 end haven’t been paying attention. People who think he left there to get more money haven’t been paying attention.
The guy was the best 3-4 end in the game, and one of the most versatile players, as well. Granted, injuries have been brutal for him the last few years. He won’t be the force that he once was. But if he’s in a rotation to keep him fresh, he could do some damage.
He’s also an incredibly respected leader, and a great locker room guy. He’s already made a ton of money, and he has also donated a ton of his money. Always involved in the community, and with charities. I think the last couple of years in Houston really got to him. He doesn’t care about money, especially at this point of his career. I think his priorities are winning to add to his legacy, and maybe getting a chance to play with his brother. All in all, I think Tampa may have a very legitimate shot at signing him to a short term, relatively cheap deal. Don’t discount the Brady effect….we saw it last year, and I think it will spread even further this year.
I would be thrilled if they could bring him in for a year under $5 mil, and it’s not at the expense of other key players.
February 12th, 2021 at 3:27 pm
I wouldn’t give him much at this stage in his career. Solid rotational guy at this point but nothing more. I’d actually take Clowney over Watt right now.
February 12th, 2021 at 3:29 pm
He was a 3-4 base end (what Suh and Gholston play now), and slid inside on passing downs. He was able to affect the game from anywhere on the line, on any down. Again, he’s clearly not that guy anymore. But he has the experience playing just about every technique except for nose, and he likely wouldn’t have to be relied on for 90% + snaps. This is exciting news.
February 12th, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Big Marlon B – I thought they ran a 4-3 in Houston, but you’re correct, it’s a 3-4. The highlights where he’s making plays it often seems like he’s lining up outside the tackle, which made me think it was a 4-3, but I, like 99.9% of the world, don’t really pay any attention to the Texans. Anywho thanks for pointing that out, I like having accurate info.
Also that makes this even more of a no-brainer. I love what Suh has done, but I’ll gladly trade him out for Watt. Or, even better, keep Suh and cut Gholston, and use that spot of Watt. Or, maybe Watt takes a vet min and we keep everyone.
February 12th, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Waterboy – Clowney? LOL! Watt played nearly ever down on defense for the Texans, he wasn’t a rotational player and is still just 31. Put better players around him and he’d be a lot more than a rotational player. This is a no-brainer if he’s willing to take a low salary.
Likely he’ll go to GB or Pittsburgh, but the Bucs shouldn’t rest on their laurels, if you can get a player like Watt, you get him. Just saying we’ve already won and that’s good enough is how you end up not even making the playoffs next year.
February 12th, 2021 at 3:39 pm
He will join his brothers in Pittsburgh. Money will not be a issue for him Watt brother are right
February 12th, 2021 at 3:40 pm
*tight
February 12th, 2021 at 3:52 pm
You all are living in the past. What’s the saying when signing free agents? “Pay them based on what you expect them to do moving forward, not for what they’ve done in the past”. Based on Watt’s recent history he’s an average player at best at this point and will only be healthy 8 games. There’s no way I’d give him more than 8 mil a year.
February 12th, 2021 at 3:57 pm
The salary cap is a cold, unforgiving b!tch. 🙁
February 12th, 2021 at 3:57 pm
Waterboy – No one is saying to sign him to a big money deal, and talking about living in the past, what exactly has Clowney done since college? Also Watts recent history, from last week, shows him playing 16-games and over 90% of the snaps.
Anywho, just take your comment and replace Watt with Brady, and you have what half the people on this board were saying offseason.
February 12th, 2021 at 4:42 pm
Last 5 season averages: 48 games total/9.6 per year, 26.5 sacks, 5.3 per year. You have to look past the name.
February 12th, 2021 at 5:19 pm
Somerbody will pay JJ Watt big bucks. Just not us. He can still ply. But he gave his all to the Texans for 10 yrs. He played strong and hard. He might not have that star power qulity left in him. I got him goin somewheres like AZ or ATL.
February 12th, 2021 at 5:20 pm
Give this guy fair dollars, he’ll come….i know…he’s injury prone and father time is sneaking up quick…but look at the rest of our vets enjoying GLORY when theyre supposed to be too old
Snag him cheap, he’s ready baby, you never know, change of scenery and losing Shaq (if he cant help us) just might be a blessing!
And that locker room presence, my gosh….SIGN HIM ALREADY!!!!!!!!!
February 12th, 2021 at 5:21 pm
i BET HE’LL PLAY FOR PENNIES JUST TO BE IN OUR LOCKER ROOM….DUDE IS SO HUMBLE!!!!!!
February 12th, 2021 at 5:22 pm
crap, sorry, didnt realize caps were on, my bad.
February 12th, 2021 at 5:24 pm
Watt goes to the Steelers to play with his brothers before he retires.
February 12th, 2021 at 5:52 pm
Watt and Shaq dont play the same position. Watt is more of a Gholston type. If he wants to come play on the cheap it would be great but i agree with UKbuccaneer about him prob going to the Steelers.
February 12th, 2021 at 6:26 pm
You know what sucks…you mfrs that know more about football than i do…i’ll get there eventually though, some day….in the meantime coffee and beer muthafkas 😉
February 12th, 2021 at 7:03 pm
Kick the tires, but only bring him in if he comes really cheap because he wants a ring.
February 12th, 2021 at 7:03 pm
No to jj twatt
February 12th, 2021 at 7:23 pm
IF we can’t get Suh for a reasonable price, Watt is an awesome option. I don’t think we’ll be able to afford Shaq at $22 million per.
February 12th, 2021 at 7:29 pm
He’ll have to take a huge discount to come here….
GO BUCS
February 12th, 2021 at 7:31 pm
There’s a rumor floating around that JPP is on thin ice with the Bucs right now. Watt would be interesting….you put him in 1 on 1 situations, i think he’ll be productive, just has to stay healthy.
February 12th, 2021 at 8:00 pm
@Bobby M.
Why would JPP be on thin ice? Where does this rumor come from?
February 12th, 2021 at 8:05 pm
I think the first guys we have to think about are David, Godwin, and Barrett.
Watt probably still wants to be paid… but with a tight cap, you can’t pay broken down guys and still afford your younger, productive players.
Once we get through free agency, and we see what we’ve done with our own guys and how much we’ve got left, if Watt is still out there, give him a look for a very reasonable price. Otherwise, no… I’d rather resign *any* of our guys over a guy who has a high chance of ending up on IR.
February 12th, 2021 at 8:08 pm
Instead of J.J. Watt, look up Alim McNeill of NC State. Maybe the Bucs can draft this guy, and he can learn the ropes from Suh and Vea.
February 12th, 2021 at 8:55 pm
First sign LVD, Shaq, Godwin
Then Suh for 1 to 2 more years.
Plus Succop.
Watt should not be an option. He hasn’t been good since 2018. He never finishes a season anymore as well.
Unless he wants to be a role player for not much more than the veteran minimum just so he can get a ring, it ain’t happening. It shouldn’t happen.
February 12th, 2021 at 9:00 pm
I think they draft a D lineman, a linebacker, and an O lineman within the first four pics.
A month ago I thought they would draft another DB but I don’t think they need it anymore. These guys are getting better and they have learned how to play them better
I would really like them to get Kyle Trask in round two to sit on the bench and learn behind Brady. The kid is basically a Brady prototype. He reads coverages, goes thru progressions, makes the right decision most the time. He’s good at moving in the pocket.
But if Brady wants 2 more years, they might wait another year before drafting a QB
February 12th, 2021 at 9:13 pm
David: I still wouldn’t mind seeing the Bucs draft a CB on the 3rd day. Ross Cockrell was okay, not sure that Ryan Smith would be okay (although he’s a good special teams player).
I’m looking for an interior D-Lineman that can play DE and NT. The falloff from the Vita Vea injury was concerning. I’ve seen McNeill going in the 2nd or 3rd Round, but if he runs in the 4.9’s as they say he does, at 320 pounds, he’ll be a draft riser, for sure.
For a young QB, I’m thinking outside the box, a trade with Jacksonville for Gardner Minshew. I like that kid’s moxie.
February 12th, 2021 at 9:59 pm
Joe in Michigan.
I definitely expect them to draft another DB in the later rounds. You can always use them and linebackers and running backs on special teams
Cockrell was ok. Edwards was pretty damn good.
They do need another CB because I’m not sure anymore about Ryan Smith.
February 13th, 2021 at 8:20 am
How do some of you know so little about football? Watt played in a 3-4 for the majority of his career as a down lineman. A DE in a 3-4, he lined up either over the OT or over the OG or between the two. In a 4-3 he would be an unded tackle. He rarely ever lined up our of a two point stance. Y’all need to just STFU if you don’t know what you’re talking about. In our defense he would be Gholston or Suh… not an OLB.
February 13th, 2021 at 8:58 am
the rumor relates to something with the practices during the two weeks before the SB. Not sure if he was late or actually skipped them…..whatever it was it happened more then once and didn’t sit well with the coaches. Winning cures all….so it may blow over.
February 13th, 2021 at 9:22 am
Steelers.
February 13th, 2021 at 10:51 am
Agreed, Brandon. That’s why I’d rather draft Alim McNeill of NC State.
February 13th, 2021 at 4:25 pm
I bet Chucky will pick him up….lol
February 13th, 2021 at 4:51 pm
Watt wants to play for a contender…Somebody said he might sign with the Atlanta Falcons. He wants to contend for FIRST place, not LAST place! Hahaha
February 14th, 2021 at 4:51 pm
I worry he might go to the Packers–we don’t want that but his wife is in Chicago.