Mekhi Becton has one player in mind for the Jets to sign in free agency.
J.J. Watt was granted his release from the Houston Texans on Friday after 10 years with the franchise. Becton, who is entering his sophomore season with the Jets, saw the news and immediately jumped on Twitter to make it known he wants Watt in New York.
https://t.co/sMnLxEVrfT pic.twitter.com/yVjfgQGCow
— Trending Topic 🤫 (@BigTicket73) February 12, 2021
Watt would instantly bring veteran leadership to the Jets’ locker room. The former face of the Texans has racked up 101 sacks in his career, good for 31st among NFL career leaders. He’s also a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner, a five-time Pro Bowler and a five-time First-team All-Pro.
The Jets could potentially open up one of their defensive end spots this offseason to make room for Watt. Quinnen Williams and Henry Anderson are currently the Jets’ two starting defensive ends. However, Anderson could be a cap casualty this offseason as he’s out of guaranteed money on his contract.
Watt won’t come cheap, though, and his production has been down over the last two seasons. He’s recorded only nine sacks in his last 24 games after consistently putting up over 10 sacks a year in the first half of his career.
It’s easy to see Watt wanting to play for a Super Bowl contender at this point in Watt’s career. The Jets are just not there yet after going 2-14 in 2020. Maybe Becton can do a little convincing and get Watt to come to Gang Green, though.