NFL Rumors: JJ Watt, Cleveland Browns Have Mutual Interest In Free Agency

Several teams are rumored to have an interest in signing J.J. Watt, and the defensive end appears to have his eyes on at least one possible destination. The Cleveland Browns have emerged as a realistic landing spot for the former Houston Texan.

Watt is “seriously considering” the Browns in free agency, Cleveland.com reports. Cleveland is attractive to Watt because he reportedly wants to play for a Super Bowl contender and doesn’t want to sign for a discounted price.

The Browns are coming off their best season since the franchise was revived in 1999. Cleveland went 11-5 in the regular season and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round before losing a close game to the AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round.

The future is seemingly bright in Cleveland. Kevin Stefanski was named NFL Coach of the Year in his first season. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is only 25 years old. Pro Bowl players Myles Garrett and Nick Chubb are among the league’s best players at their respective positions.

Heading into free agency, only nine teams have more money to spend under the salary cap than the Browns, according to Spotrac. Watt was set to make $17.5 million in 2021 before he was cut.

Cleveland ranked in the middle of the pack with 38 sacks in the 2020 season. Olivier Vernon had nine sacks for the Browns and is unsigned for next season.

When Watt was released by Houston, the Steelers quickly emerged as the favorites to sign the three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Cleveland was viewed as a long shot, according to PointsBet Sportsbook, with 14/1 odds to sign Watt.

The Browns, Steelers, Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans have all expressed interest in acquiring Watt, ESPN’s Ed Werder reports. According to Sports Illustrated, the Green Bay Packers are also interested in Watt.

Watt had five sacks in 16 games last season.