For about two weeks most of the NFL was on J.J. Watt Watch. Shortly after the Houston Texans released the former Defensive Player of the Year, the Buffalo Bills emerged as potentially being the next team that Watt would play for.
However, a decision has finally been made by the defensive end and he announced on Twitter he would be signing with the Arizona Cardinals. This certainly was a surprise as the Cardinals hadn’t been discussed as the favorites which included teams like the Bills, Green Bay Packers, and Cleveland Browns.
The decision of the Cardinals is certainly an interesting one as he was reportedly interested in playing for a Super Bowl contender with an established quarterback. The NFC West team could potentially become that but hasn’t necessarily proven that. This past season they finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
The decision ultimately could have come down to money as many have reported, including NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, that Watt would be signing a two-year deal worth $31 million with $23 million of that guaranteed.
The #AZCardinals are giving JJ Watt a 2-year deal worth $31M with $23M guaranteed, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2021
The guaranteed amount could have been the tipping point and this is significant for a player with J.J. Watt’s injury history. He has played in 16 games in only two of the past five seasons and in the other three seasons played in 3, 5, and 8 games.
For the Buffalo Bills, the addition of J.J. Watt would have been a big boost to a position they are likely to try and upgrade this offseason. This past season they struggled to get consistent pressure from their front four.
However, an average salary of $15.5 million would have been tough to fit into the salary cap. It would have meant cutting multiple players who were starters for this team last year.
The Buffalo Bills will now look at options both in free agency as well as the NFL Draft to address the defensive end position.