- JJ Watt announced that the Houston Texans have granted him his release
- The 31-year-old plans to continue his playing career after 11 seasons with the Texans
- Steelers, Packers could be among interested suitors
Change is in the air in Houston these days. Just a matter of weeks after stars like James Harden and George Springer skipped town, another H-Town icon is on the way out. On Friday, former All-Pro defensive lineman JJ Watt announced on Twitter that the Houston Texans have agreed to grant him his release.
Watt, who has been with the Texans since being selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 draft, took to social media to thank Houston for his memorable 10-year run:
Houston, I wanted you to hear this directly from me… pic.twitter.com/YqT3P6Lb6l
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 12, 2021
In the video, Watt revealed that he approached the Texans’ ownership group and asked to be cut. He said,
“I have sat down with the McNair family and I have asked them for my release and we have mutually agreed to part ways at this time.”
Watt is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, though he has dealt with injuries over the past handful of seasons. However, he did just complete his first full 16-game season since 2018. Across those 16 appearances, the Wisconsin product recorded 52 total tackles with 5 sacks. It was just his second full 16-game season since 2015.
Watt Has Plenty Left In the Tank
While his 5 sacks didn’t jump off the page, Watt was still rated as one of the most impactful defensive linemen in the NFL. Watt ranked 15th out of 119 qualified players in terms of Pass Rush Win Rate last season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He finishes his career with the Texans as the franchise’s all-time sacks leader with 101. Whitney Mercilus ranks a distant second, with 54.
The Texans won the AFC South a number of times during Watt’s stint with the team, but Houston never advanced as far as an AFC Championship Game. He reportedly grew frustrated with the franchise’s direction last season, and he ultimately helped lead to the firing of former head coach Bill O’Brien. The Texans finished the season just 4-12.
Back in November, Watt said,
“I don’t think it’s any secret that I don’t have 10 years left in this league. I personally believe that I do have a few more great ones left in me. But you also can’t…I’m not looking to rebuild. I’m looking to go after a championship, and that’s what I want to do.”
Obviously, the Texans are nowhere near a Super Bowl. Houston hired former Ravens passing game coordinator David Culley as head coach earlier this offseason. The organization has seen a mass exodus in the personnel department this offseason, and the Deshaun Watson situation continues to loom over the franchise.
Steelers, Packers Among Interested Suitors?
Watson seems likely to be traded before next season begins, so it’s going to be quite a while until this franchise is relevant again. Watt, who will turn 32 in March, will almost surely look to join a contender this offseason. His brother, Steelers defensive end TJ Watt, made his own pitch to his brother via Twitter:
https://t.co/HacHLcXJI6 pic.twitter.com/6ACIM6YYOZ
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) February 12, 2021
Teaming up with TJ in Pittsburgh is certainly a possibility. There is also a chance that the Wisconsin native could return to his home state to try and help lead the Packers to their first championship since 2010.
Watt had one year left on his deal with the Texans. His $17.5 million salary was not guaranteed, however.
Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith has been a staff writer with GamblingSites.org since early 2017. Taylor is primarily a sports writer, though he will occasionally dabble in other things like politics and entertainment betting. His primary specialties are writing about the NBA, Major League Baseball, NFL and domestic and international soccer. Fringe sports like golf and horse racing aren’t exactly his cup of tea, bu …
