Packers have most of what J.J. Watt wants in next team
The Green Bay Packers can offer most of what J.J. Watt wants in his next team.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Watt’s checklist as a free agent includes the ability to compete for a Super Bowl and both a strong supporting cast and team culture – all things the Packers have as real selling points entering 2021.
The one question mark is money. And according to Cabot, Watt “wants to get paid his market value,” which could really complicate the process for the Packers.
Everything else will likely be highly attractive for Watt in Green Bay.
Compete to play in the Super Bowl? The Packers have won 13 games and advanced to the NFC title game during each of the last two seasons. This is a team on the doorstep of the Super Bowl, and a player like Watt could be one of the final pieces of finally completing the journey. In fact, the Packers exited 2020 as the betting favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl next season.
Strong supporting cast? The Packers had six All-Pros and seven Pro Bowlers in 2020, including NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, who led the No. 1 scoring offense in football last season. On defense, Watt would get a chance to play with All-Pro edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark along the front. Rashan Gary, the 12th overall pick in the 2019 draft, could be a legitimate breakout candidate as a full-time player in 2021. There is as much or more talent in place in Green Bay around Watt’s position as any team he’s ever played on previously.
Team culture? Brian Gutekunst has built a strong locker room through smart player acquisitions, and Matt LaFleur establishes clear roles for individuals and guides a player-led team. The Packers have a rich winning history, with 10 playoff trips in the last 12 years. The organization also has a strong leadership structure revolved around Gutekunst, LaFleur, Russ Ball and Mark Murphy, creating real stability and the opportunity for sustained winning.
Of course, money is a huge factor. A player of Watt’s stature in the game isn’t going to play for peanuts. If he truly wants to make somewhere around $17.5 million per season on his next deal. as Cabot suggests, the Packers probably can’t make it all work.
But while other teams – like the Browns – are in a much better financial situation regarding the salary cap right now, the Packers certainly have the ability to complete a series of reasonable moves and free up the necessary cap space to make an offer. Again, the Packers will probably not be able to compete with teams at the top of Watt’s price range. But it’s possible Watt would play for less if all the other factors align right, like they most likely do in Green Bay.
If Watt wants top dollar as a free agent, he’ll likely have to sacrifice somewhere else, be it team quality or supporting cast or culture. The Browns, for instance, probably can’t match what the Packers have in terms of readiness to compete, overall talent level and winning culture. But if Watt wants all the rest and is willing to sacrifice in dollars, the Packers are as good a fit as any. How Watt ranks his priorities – more specifically, where money ranks – may end up deciding if he’s playing in Green Bay or not next season.
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