J.J. Watt has been one of the most sought-after commodities in NFL free agency, and on Monday he reached a decision. In an announcement on his Twitter account (not on Peloton!), Watt revealed that he's signing with the Arizona Cardinals. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Watt is signing a two-year deal that will be worth $31 million with $23 million of that being guaranteed.
Last month, Watt asked for his release from the Texans and the franchise granted the veteran pass rusher's wish. Now the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is reunited with former Texans teammate DeAndre Hopkins in Arizona and will join a daunting pass rush that also includes Chandler Jones.
Watt's decision to sign with the Cardinals was somewhat of a surprising one to the NFL world. Teams like the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans were reportedly very interested in signing Watt. In addition, Watt could've also joined his brothers T.J. and Derek Watt, who both play for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Watt still clearly has plenty of gas left in the tank and could really help transform Arizona's front seven. The Cardinals are coming off a 8-8 season in which they missed the playoffs, but Watt could help change those fortunes in 2021.
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Here's how the NFL world reacted to Watt signing with the Cardinals.
“Let’s finish what we started.”
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) March 1, 2021
DeAndre Hopkins and JJ Watt reunited. 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/sdHXAAkQ4X
🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫 #LFG
— Budda Baker (@buddabaker32) March 1, 2021
Also feel bad for my guy RW3 lol
— ♛Chandler Jones (@chanjones55) March 1, 2021
From @chanjones55 IG story: 😂 Start sharpening the knives chef 👨🏻🍳 you’ve got some work to do! pic.twitter.com/7JmPybK0XW
— Courtney Fallon (@CourtneyFallon_) March 1, 2021
— Kealia Ohai Watt (@KealiaOhai) March 1, 2021
Chandler Jones, Jj watt 👀
— Tony Jefferson II (@_tonyjefferson) March 1, 2021
Welcome to the Valley, @JJWatt!
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) March 1, 2021
We have agreed to terms with J.J. Watt on a two-year contract.
https://t.co/UI9fGomHE6 pic.twitter.com/RQJFZOvD1n
— Chase Edmonds (@ChaseEdmonds22) March 1, 2021
Why are people scoffing at the notion of the Cardinals being a contender? 8-8 last year with a 9-win point differential and five one-score losses. Kyler Murray could easily take a leap forward and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) March 1, 2021
Chandler and JJ 😳 Russ is really going to ask for a trade if they don’t bolster up that offensive line 😂
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) March 1, 2021
I’m a bit surprised, I would have guessed chasing a championship was higher on the priority list
— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) March 1, 2021
...not that Arizona can’t compete, but there were other teams more primed to win a championship if they added JJ https://t.co/kIjakehmkU