DE JJ Watt would immediately improve Jacksonville Jaguars defense
Defensive end J.J. Watt is one of the most beloved players in the NFL and he became a free agent after mutually parting ways with the Houston Texans. The Jacksonville Jaguars need to make everything in their power to land the three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
It’s rare for premier players to hit the open market, but that’s precisely what Watt did after playing in Houston for ten years. He had previously asked the Texans to release him and the team granted his request. He posted a video on social media in which he shared the announcement.
Even though Watt has dealt with injuries and has missed 32 games in the last five years, he’s still one of the best defensive ends in the NFL and is the third-most valuable edge defender in the league over the last three seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. The Wisconsin native could retire today and would be enshrined in the Hall of Fame as soon as he became eligible.
Before the quarterback Deshaun Watson became the face of the Texans franchise, Watt was their most recognizable player. In his ten-year career, he’s earned five Pro Bowl nods and five First-Team All-Pro designations. Moreover, he recorded more than 20 sacks twice in his career and is the franchise sack leader.
What kind of impact would JJ Watt have with the Jacksonville Jaguars?
Watt probably wants to join a contender, and the Jaguars are not close to being one. That doesn’t mean the 2011 first-round pick wouldn’t be interested in playing in Jacksonville. Under new head coach Urban Meyer, the ‘Jag’s have the potential to quickly turn things around due to their abundance of both cap space and draft picks.
Meyer and the team’s brass could offer Watt the opportunity to lead their defense in their rebuilding effort. At this point, it’s unclear what kind of salary he would want but the Jaguars are projected to have $77 million in cap space and could offer him the kind of contract he wants.
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The Jaguars don’t have many talented players on their roster and need to add a few difference-makers if they want to turn things around. Although there will be plenty of enticing options in the open market, there won’t be many better than Watt. This is a no-brainer and this Jacksonville team shouldn’t wait any longer to sign him.