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J.J. Watt is being recruited by just about everybody as he plans for free agency, including old NFL stars.
Former Indianapolis Colts All-Pro edge rusher Robert Mathis responded to Watt's “free agency is wild” tweet by hinting the former Houston Texans star should stay in the AFC South:
Stop bullshittin homie. It’s a very simple decision
— ROBERT MATHIS QBH8r (@RobertMathis98) February 17, 2021
The implication here is Mathis wants to see Watt sign with the Colts, which is certainly a possibility.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard has been quite vocal about never having too much quality in the trenches, on both sides of the ball. He has made a point of building up Indy's offensive line and made an aggressive play for DeForest Buckner last spring, trading the No. 13 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers and subsequently signing Buckner to a big extension.
Beyond Ballard's obsession over addressing the offensive and defensive front, the Colts need a pass-rushing presence off the edge. Both Denico Autry and Justin Houston are free agents this spring, possibly opening the door for the Colts to make a run at Watt.
Although Watt had just 5.0 sacks and 17 quarterback hits in 2020, he is still one of the best in football in both pass-rush win rate as well as his win rate against the run. Will he be setting the edge in Indianapolis next season?
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year became a free agent after he and the Texans agreed to part ways. Watt has already been recruited by players like former teammate DeAndre Hopkins and his younger brother, T.J. But former players, like Mathis, are also sharing their two cents as Watt prepares to begin the next chapter of his football career.
The Texans legend will have his options when it comes to picking his next team, and it will be interesting to see where he winds up.
