Browns rumors: Crowded field vying for J.J. Watt
In Browns rumors, Cleveland is among 12 teams vying for J.J. Watt
The Browns are among 12 teams interested in signing the suddenly available J.J. Watt, a former three-time NFL defensive player of the year.
Other teams who’ve called include the Steelers, Bills and Titans, according to ESPN’s Ed Werder.
I know it’s just speculation, but it made me salty to read where prominent writers had Watt going next. The Athletic’s list didn’t include the Browns in their top 10. In fact, author Mike Sando gave Cleveland a mere blurb as a potential landing spot at the end of his prognostication.
Sando even gives Buffalo more of a chance. I don’t understand, but OK, fine.
Longtime Houston football scribe John McClain wrote not to rule the Browns out, but only after playing up Tampa, Green Bay, Tennessee and Baltimore.
Then you have Watt to the Steelers because his brothers play there. Watt to the Bears because his wife plays soccer in Chicago.
When the news initially broke that he and the Texans parted ways, this was a major concern. By not trading for Watt, Cleveland must now compete against over a 1/3 of the league to obtain the pass rusher.
And why didn’t the Texans trade him? Texans CEO Cal McNair said it :Was the right decision for J.J. and the Texans,” and “Doing the right thing by J.J. was important.”
It’ll be interesting to see what dollar amount Watt agrees to. McClain contends that it might not be all about the money for Watt, since he’s made north of $100 million in his career. If you can’t follow the cash, the little things, such as teaming up with your brother, start to get more attention.
I’m looking for Watt to sign for no less than $12 million, which is what Jadeveon Clowney signed for last offseason. Watt’s a far superior player and the Browns could easily sign him at this number. It’s an advantage they have over a team like the Titans or Steelers. Big Ben is chewing up a ton of cap space at on the Three Rivers, while Tennessee is currently in a cap deficit.
Next. 3-round mock projects trade up with Colts. dark
Perhaps it’s just about winning for Watt–and if it is…the Browns are a top four candidate, behind Tampa, KC and Baltimore.