JJ Watt to the Bears?

Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Houston Texans are releasing star DE, JJ Watt. The Texans are revamping a roster that won only four games, and it is yet to be seen if they eventually get pushed into a corner to trade DeShaun Watson.

The #Texans are releasing star JJ Watt, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2021

This appears to be Watts’ own decision. In a video on Twitter, he mentioned that he sat down with Texans ownership and executives and has asked for his release.

Houston, I wanted you to hear this directly from me… pic.twitter.com/YqT3P6Lb6l

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 12, 2021

The Bears may also be in a bit of transition themselves. They have been attached to every quarterback that might be available, which in turn will mean they will need to find a way to shed salary.

This means the Bears will need to move payroll in order to add payroll. This shouldn’t be a surprise, teams often do this every year. They needed to release payroll either via trade or simply releasing players regardless.

There are several players on the roster that ‘could’ be moved. Just looking at the roster, someone like Charles Leno would relieve the Bears of roughly $6 million, Jimmy Graham would save the team $7 million, and Bobby Massie would save the team roughly another $6 million. I of course don’t advocate that the Bears release both of their tackles, especially with their offensive line being so depleted, but there are diamonds in the Bears rough that can allow them to navigate the 2021 Salary Cap.

The next question, why would Watt want to come to Chicago!?

The first, and probably most important reason for him – Kealia Watt. JJ’s wife, Kealia plays for the Chicago Red Stars, a woman’s professional soccer team. She loves Chicago, and JJ has become pretty keen on the city as well. Here’s a little bit from Watt on the city and playing at Soldier Field:

“… It’s an incredible organization. It is cool to get a chance to play there. I mean, I grew up stopping at the Lake Forest Oasis and rushing Auntie Anne’s and Subway and Panda Express,” he said during his Wednesday press conference. “Then I had Portillo’s and Lou Malnati’s and some of the staples down there. I’m not going to lie – I looked up where we’re staying in Chicago, and there’s a Portillo’s, like, half a mile away. So it’s going to be pretty dangerous for me. I think Lou Malnati’s is another half a block. My wife lives there now, so I’ve obviously had a lot of the food in the area. Robert’s Pizza and Dough. There’s a whole bunch of good places to eat there, so it’s going to be very difficult for me not to order with a delivery service. But I am looking forward to playing at Soldier Field. I wish they would cut the grass a little shorter, that’s all I’ll say.”

NBC Sports – Chicago

Give a huge assist to Chicago’s food, which, YES!!! Give me all the Chicago food. Pizza, hot dogs, Italian beefs, ALL. OF. IT.

Sorry, I got carried away… I have been dieting and working out, so the idea of any delicious food gets me excited. But, let’s return to the story…

Watt grew up in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, which is a suburb of Milwaukee. He would visit Chicago often as a child, and has many good memories of the city (beyond just the food). So chances are Watt is all too familiar with the 7-Mile Fairgrounds, Bong Recreational Park, Xtreme Fireworks, certain adult book stores, Great America, the Lake Forest Oasis, and the skyline when you start to enter the city.

Nostalgia can be a big part of decisions. Reminiscing about your childhood. Daydreaming about your closest friends and family being able to watch you every Sunday. Knowing that you have your entire support circle, not only a phone call away, but a car ride away.

Next, the Bears are on nearly every defensive player in the NFL’s bucket list. They are drawn to the team because of its rich history – especially from the defensive perspective. Now that Watt is a free agent, and can choose anywhere to play, you’d be hard-pressed to think he wouldn’t have Chicago at the top of his list.

Look, I understand that the Bears are in flux. I understand that there are major offensive questions. I understand that in the NFL, it’s crazy difficult to win without a QB, offensive line, and skilled players that can go downfield and haul balls in. But that other side of the ball is attractive. Adding someone like Watt would help the defense (of course) but it will also help Watt bounce back from back-to-back less than stellar seasons.

I would also be encouraged to potentially see Watt do what Julius Peppers did late in his career. Peppers was a HOF defensive end for the Carolina Panthers and Bears, when he moved to Green Bay he made the change to LOLB. Making that change helped him gain 25 more sacks in his three seasons in Green Bay.

I understand, Watt has had back-to-back poor seasons (from the 50,000 feet view). But we aren’t seeing the overall picture. In 2019, the Texans defense was already on their way down. They ranked 13th in the league and gave up nearly 4,300 passing yards. During the season, because of the extra attention Watt saw, he was limited to only eight games due to injury. Then in 2020, the Texans defense was completely non-existent. Watt was the only player on that side of the ball capable, and did have a poor “numbers” season.

But that isn’t the entire story. Watt’s PFF grade was 85.5 in 2020. As a comparison, Roquan Smith – who had a phenomenal season – was graded at only 67.2 in 2020. He absolutely has something left to give, and imagine him on a Bears defense with Smith, and Akiem Hicks, and Khalil Mack among others?

As Watt enters the final legs of his career, opening a new chapter – with a ton left in the tank and plenty to prove. Why wouldn’t he call the Chicago Bears? His wife is here. His family lives not too far from Chicago. The defensive lore of the franchise.

Let’s clear that cap space Ryan Pace.