J.J. Watt chose Cardinals over more money with Browns, Colts

J.J. Watt didn’t go with the money after all, choosing Arizona for different reasons.

Watt revealed his decision to sign with the Arizona Cardinals on Monday afternoon, setting NFL Twitter on fire, as the desert was an unexpected destination. Watt will team up with former teammate DeAndre Hopkins, and form a ridiculous pass-rushing duo with Chandler Jones. Just talking about it is getting me ready for football season.

Yet, NFL fans and pundits are still curious: What made Watt choose Arizona? That much hasn’t been revealed just yet, but we can rule out money, per a recent report. Apparently the Colts and Browns offered Watt more than the Cardinals did.

J.J. Watt’s contract comes at significant risk for Arizona

Watt signed a two-year, $31 million deal with the Cardinals, per reports. That’s more than most initially thought he was worth, as he’s coming off a down season and frankly sub-par performances the last few campaigns. It’s fair to question whether Watt can play at a Pro Bowl level at this point in his career. He’s no longer the All-Pro we grew accustomed to seeing in Houston, which is why the Texans let him walk.

Now, let me be clear — I am not and will not ever back the Houston Texans front office. Nine times out of 10, they are wrong in their decision-making process. You can take that to the bank. However, this might be the minority decision where they — at least on the surface — accidentally lucked into the right move. Watt didn’t sign with a division rival, instead opting to join the NFC West’s Cardinals. Plus, Houston kept a positive relationship with Watt by letting him walk while he still has some good seasons left in him.

But Cleveland and Indianapolis are still left wondering — Why not us?