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3 perfect landing spots for J.J. Watt includes Packers, Steelers

By Russell S. Baxter

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans reacts to a defensive stop during the second half of a game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 03: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans reacts to a defensive stop during the second half of a game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 10: Head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans looks on during the first quarter of their AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens at Nissan Stadium on January 10, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

After 10 seasons with the Texans, the veteran defender has been released.

What a resume. A total of 10 NFL seasons adds up to 101 sacks, 25 forced fumbles, 18 takeaways and 61 batted passes in 128 regular-season contests.

Yes, J.J. Watt has been a 16-game starter seven times during his career but has also missed a combined 32 games since 2016. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has not had the same impact as he did early in his career. Age and injuries have certainly taken their toll.

But now the defensive presence will be taking his skill elsewhere after he and the Houston Texans agreed to go their separate ways (via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). So which three franchises could most use what he brings to the table?

3. Tennessee Titans

Led mainly by NFL Offensive Player of the Year Derrick Henry and savvy quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the franchise captured its first AFC South title since 2008. And unfortunately, the Tennessee Titans’ defensive unit went through a season-long struggle and those issues cost them in the playoffs.

Obviously, J.J. Watt is quite familiar with this divisional foe and its shortcomings on the defensive side of the ball. In 2020, the Houston Texans scored 36 and then 38 points, respectively, vs. Mike Vrabel’s club and lost both games. The Titans gave up the fifth-most total yards in the league and were 29th in the NFL against the pass.

Tennessee allowed 439 points and a whopping 54 offensive touchdowns. These defending division champs need all the help they can get.

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