Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt has just been cut by the Houston Texans. The decision was mutually agreed upon by both parties.

The Texans organization expressed their gratitude to Watt, with team owner Cal McNair releasing a lengthy statement following the release.

The McNairs, who own the team, had kind words for Watt. He was praised for his on-field dominance and positive impact on the Houston community. The latter is reinforced by Watt winning the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which is given to players for their volunteer work. Watt released a statement giving thanks to the Houston fans and the organization for giving him a shot at the NFL.

Watt was drafted 11th overall in the stacked 2011 NFL Draft. For the better part of a decade, Watt was a force on defense, who kept opposing offensive coordinators up all night. The Texans have had limited success in the playoffs and this was probably one of the factors that led to his departure.

Cutting Watt saved Houston $17.5 million in cap space.  The Texans front office is unpredictable and so it is anyone's guess what they will do with the additional cap space. With that cap hit, finding a trade partner for the defensive end would be very difficult.

While Watt is not the same game-wrecking defender he was in his younger days, he will still make a solid contributor in the right team and the right price. Contenders should be making calls to Watt's camp. In his 2018 season, he still finished with 16 sacks and seven forced fumbles. A Super Bowl win would be the perfect cherry on top of a Hall of Fame-worthy career.