JJ Watt wasn’t traded at the deadline, but that doesn’t mean he’s a Texan for life
Watt doesn’t want to be part of a rebuild — he made that very clear on Wednesday in a press conference with Texans reporters. Yet, that appears to be the way the Texans are heading, or at least a retooling of sorts. Even with Deshaun Watson in tow, the 2020 season is proving the Texans might not be far from contending, but they’re a mile away from being a Super Bowl team.
This is where Watt comes in. The former All-Pro defensive end is on the other side of 30 and has yet to make one trip to the Super Bowl. With Houston headed in the wrong direction, exactly how long does Watt want to wait things out?
What could the Texans expect in return for Watt?
Despite his contract, Watt still has another year left on his deal. That’ll significantly decrease his value, which is where not having a reliable GM in the front office at the trade deadline hurt Houston. Still, the Texans could expect high draft capital in return for a future Hall of Famer.
Watt is supposed to make $17.5 million next season. That’s not chump change, and his cap hit is significant, which limits how many teams can afford to bring him aboard, despite his overwhelming talent when healthy.
The Wisconsin product last made the Pro Bowl in 2018, which was his last year as an All-Pro as well. In 2019, he played just eight games thanks to injury, and this season his production has dipped ever so slightly. There are risks with taking on that kind of money, especially if Watt is no longer the game-changing talent we remember.
Either way, it’s a franchise-altering decision for Houston to make.