Perhaps the highest-profile free agent available in the NFL right now is former Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt. The Arizona Cardinals could be involved as well. Receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Watt’s former teammate in Houston, tried recruiting him on social media. General manager Steve Keim would not say recently if he had interest in Watt but said if there was an opportunity for something like that, they would “take a swing.”
As many as a dozen teams are supposedly interested and the interest has been real.
It doesn’t sound like Watt is going to have to sign for any sort of discounted rate.
According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, Watt has received offers that go as high as paying him $15-16 million per year.
JJ Watt has received several offers from teams. The best offer he has received right now is between 15-16 million per year, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) February 25, 2021
Watt was due to make $17.5 million with the Texans before he asked for his release.
It is unknown what teams exactly have made offers or whether the Cardinals have, but if he is looking for a place to compete for a championship and to get paid like a top defensive player, that likely will keep the Cardinals out of contention for his services, if it is they want him.
With only a little bit of cap space, the Cardinals would either have to get really creative to keep his 2021 cap hit low or they would sacrifice other potential upgrades to the team.
With as many teams interested and big money involved, Watt will be able to land in a great situation and earn as much as he wants.
It makes it unlikely he comes to Arizona unless it is where he really wants to be.
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