JJ Watt Joining Cardinals After Packers, Browns, Bills Linked To Free Agent

J.J. Watt will sign with the Arizona Cardinals in the first marquee move of 2021 NFL free agency. The news comes as a bit of a surprise, considering a few other teams had been viewed as more likely suitors for the defensive end.

On Monday morning, a Peloton account that was believed to belong to Watt indicated the NFL star was deciding between the Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. Watt announced on social media that the rumor was false. Less than an hour later, Watt revealed that he was headed to Arizona.

The Cardinals are signing Watt to a two-year, $31 million contract, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports, with $23 million guaranteed.

The Houston Texans released Watt on Feb. 12. It was quickly speculated that the 31-year-old might sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with whom Watt’s two brothers are already signed.

Cleveland and Watt reportedly had mutual interest in a potential deal. Green Bay eventually became the betting favorite to sign the three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Buffalo was thought to be a potential suitor for Watt as they enter the 2021 season among the Super Bowl favorites in the AFC.

Arizona could have one of the NFL’s best defensive fronts next season. Chandler Jones had 19 sacks for the Cardinals in the 2019, though he missed most of 2020 with an injury. Arizona finished fourth in the league with 48 sacks last season.

Watt had five sacks in 16 games in 2020. He has 101 total sacks since entering the league in 2011.

Watt reunites with star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who was traded from Houston to Arizona a year ago. Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph was a defensive assistant with the Texans from 2011-2013.

The Cardinals went 8-8 last season and missed the playoffs.