Since the perennial All-Pro selection mutually parted ways with the Houston Texans (whose quest to land the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2022 is officially in warp speed), the NFL media has chimed with numerous rankings and speculation on where J.J. Watt will land.
The betting odds are as follows:
Pittsburgh Steelers +150: On the surface the most obvious and nearly 50/50 chance to land his services. One Cleveland writer is reported as saying Watt is not interested in joining his brothers in Pittsburgh, but not buying it. The case against Watt not going to Pittsburgh includes the team's salary cap situation, the impending departure of key free agents, the retirement of C Maurkice Pouncey and possible retirement of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Add in last season's late-season slide and the Steelers look more like a team in transition than in contention for a title.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +500: Why not? Tom Brady seems to be able to recruit everyone else. I can see J.J., Brady and Gronk chilling together at the Kentucky Derby.
Green Bay Packers +500: The combination of a Wisconsin homecoming and consecutive appearances in the NFC Championship game makes Green Bay possible. Some salary cap decisions will be needed (RB Aaron Jones amongst them), but signing Watt might help Aaron Rodgers decide to stick around.
Baltimore Ravens +600: Would Watt decide to play against his brothers twice a year? Actually have another team in this division in mind.
Chicago Bears +700: Watt's wife, Kealia Ohai, plays for the Chicago entry in women's pro soccer. But will the Bears ever show any aspirations of becoming championship contenders?
Dallas Cowboys +1100: Watt stays in Texas and makes sense if QB Dak Prescott does not sign elsewhere.
New England Patriots +1100: Always assume Patriots to be in the mix.
Los Angeles Rams +1100: Would line up alongside Aaron Donald.
Buffalo Bills +1100: A legit AFC contender and possibly one of the finalists, but owner Kim Pegula not the type to dig deep into the pocketbook. Stefon Diggs is on the recruiting trail.
Miami Dolphins +1400: Miami fans known to step up to betting booth with grandiose visions.
Cleveland Browns +1400: Fellow Wisconsin alumnus Joe Thomas is a Browns legend and may persuade Watt, who could lineup opposite to Myles Garrett.
Tennessee Titans +1800: Location, location, location. Watt steers away from the AFC North group of death and joins Mike Vrabel in division comprising of lowly Texans and Jaguars.
Longshots:
Seattle Seahawks: Newly minted NFL Man of the Year Russell Wilson reported to be unhappy. Like with Green Bay and Dallas, a signing with Seattle could persuade Wilson to stay in the Pacific Northwest.
Kansas City Chiefs: Team with best looks at a championship over the past three years. But KC would need to do so much cap reshuffling and Watt will be spoken for soon.
My top landing spots: 1. Pittsburgh, 2. Tennessee, 3. Tampa Bay, 4. Cleveland, 5. Green Bay, 6. Buffalo
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