The draws for JJ Watt have officially begun. Green Bay packers, like so many other teams interested in adding the future Hall of Fame defender, will have to sell Watt because it makes sense to join his team over all the others already forming ranks to add him.
Launching can be easier for the Packers, who have incredible perks. But with no significant financial resources available, the Packers may have to rely on other relevant factors to win the opportunity to acquire the former Houston Texans defender.
Here’s how the Packers might try to sell Watt with the idea of playing Green Bay in 2021:
– Almost guaranteed opportunity to play postseason football. The Packers have been in the postseason 10 times in the last 12 years, including seven times as division champions. They won a Super Bowl in 2010 and have played in five NFC title games during that period. No more sitting at home during January.
– The team is ready to win right now. The Packers are 26-6 over the past two seasons, with consecutive NFC North titles and consecutive trips to the NFC title game. Watt hasn’t even been in a conference title game. This is a team in a position to fight for the Super Bowl this season. No need to rebuild.
– Hall of Fame quarterback. Playing with Deshaun Watson wasn’t enough in Houston, but in Green Bay, Watt would get Aaron Rodgers, the 2020 NFL MVP, and the future Hall of Fame. In his second year with Matt LaFleur, Rodgers created 51 touchdowns and led the No. 1 scoring defense. Who knows what he will do for an encore in 2021.
– Possibility to add to the inheritance. Watt has done it all individually. Going home and helping Rodgers and the Packers get back to the Super Bowl would add an impressive chapter to their career at the Hall of Fame. He would forever be one of the most adored and decorated players in the history of the state.
– Opportunities to hurry. All great defenders love to upset the quarterback. Well, the Packers often play to advantage and offer opportunities to look for the pin. Watt only had five sacks last season, but he was still upset. Better game scripts in Green Bay could unlock more Watt production.
– Stable leadership structure. The Packers operate at the opposite end of the spectrum than the Texans, who have quickly become the laugh-out-loud league. The Packers have four strong leaders – Matt LaFleur, Brian Gutekunst, Russ Ball and Mark Murphy – who have a stable franchise that knows how to win. Consistently.
– Help ahead. Long and constant double teams. The Packers have Za’Darius Smith, Kenny Clark and Rashan Gary already in place on defensive front four. Add Watt to the mix and everyone’s life will be easier, including Watt’s. Offenses can’t double the team at all.
– Possibility to fill the empty leadership. The Packers already have Rodgers to lead on offense. The defense could use a leader with the same weight level. Think about when the Packers added Charles Woodson or Julius Peppers. Watt could be the universally respected leader this talented group needs. And I would embrace the opportunity.
– Outline. We still don’t know much about new defensive coordinator Joe Barry, but he was in Los Angeles for four years with Aaron Donald, so he should have a good idea of how to get inside defenders the right opportunities to create disorders. Watt and Donald are not synonymous players, but Barry will likely bring to Green Bay a gap attack plan that fits Watt’s abilities.
– The number 99 is available (practically). Watt has worn the number 99 which dates back to his days in Madison. Willington Previlon, a defensive linebacker in the training squad, is in the numbers now, but the assumption here is that Watt could get it without much trouble. Think how many t-shirts no. 99 watt would sell the equipment.
– Close to home. Last but not least, playing in Green Bay means returning to Wisconsin. Watt is already a beloved figure in the state and still resides there during the off-season. He grew up as a fan of the team and would almost certainly appreciate the opportunity to return home and fulfill a young boy’s dream of dressing in green and gold and playing at Lambeau Field.