J.J. Watt To The Steelers? Pittsburgh Viewed As Possible Landing Spot With Brothers

The Houston Texans have released J.J. Watt, making the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year available to sign with any of the league’s other 31 teams. While he will likely have several suitors, there’s immediate speculation that the Pittsburgh Steelers might be a frontrunner to sign the free agent.

Pittsburgh is a logical landing spot for Watt because both of his brothers play for the Steelers. Fullback Derek Watt and linebacker T.J. Watt were teammates in Pittsburgh this past season, and T.J. has wasted no time, through social media, indicating that he wants the eldest Watt brother to join them.

“It would be something incredibly special for my family if we could all three, somehow, someway get together on the field in the same uniform,” Derek told reporters last year when he signed with Pittsburgh.

In the immediate aftermath of J.J.’s release, members of the NFL media began to suggest that the star could end up with the Steelers. Pittsburgh had a league-high 56 sacks in the regular season, led by T.J.’s 15 sacks, but the team could be looking to add to its pass rush.

Linebacker Bud Dupree is headed for free agency after suffering a torn ACL in December. Dupree had 19.5 sacks for the Steelers in the last two years.

Pittsburgh won the AFC North with a 12-4 record before losing in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Houston had a 4-12 record. J.J. never reached the Super Bowl in 10 seasons with the Texans.

At 31 years old, J.J. is no longer the dominant force that he was during his prime. Injuries have taken their toll on the defensive end, causing him to miss 32 combined games in 2016, 2017, and 2019.

J.J. stayed healthy in the 2020 season, playing every single game for Houston. The veteran registered five sacks, 17 quarterback hits, 52 tackles, two forced fumbles, and an interception.

J.J. last made the Pro Bowl in 2018.