The Houston Texans look more and more like a team in transition. For years they’ve been an organization defined by defense. Yet in the past couple of years, head coach Bill O’Brien has worked hard to change that. He wants the organization geared around Deshaun Watson. Already he traded Jadeveon Clowney away. Longtime cornerback Jonathan Joseph is gone. Veteran safety Tashaun Gipson was cut despite a solid 2019. It leaves people wondering. How much longer before J.J. Watt is gone too?
The superstar defensive end will likely end up being the first Houston Texans Hall of Famer whenever he retires. That is unless Andre Johnson gets there first. Still, Watt is undoubtedly the first true face of their franchise. An absolute monster on the field and genuine human being off it. Fans everywhere love him.
Yet the cold business of football has no sympathy for such things.
With a massive contract extension coming for Watson, it’s possible the 31-year old pass rusher could be playing his last season in Houston. If so, where might he decide to continue his career? By the sound of things, he’s not opposed to trying his hand in Chicago. Watt had a YouTube interview with Jake Hamilton and discussed his thoughts on the city.
“Yeah I mean we love Chicagoans. We moved her into Chicago up there. Obviously we wish she was in the middle of the season right now at the Red Stars…I grew up in Wisconsin obviously, so I’ve been down to Chicago before but getting to spend more time there now, it’s just such a great city. I mean the people are great, the food is unbelievable, the views with the lake and everything. It’s just a great city and we really enjoy our time there.”
Watt went on to say he loves the idea of playing at Soldier Field, especially in the cold weather. So it’s certainly a seed that is planted.
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Bears would have lots of advantages in a J.J. Watt pursuit
Hypothetically, if the Bears wanted to entertain the idea of getting Watt in 2021 they’d have plenty of built-in advantages. His wife Kealia is a member of the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League. The idea of being able to play in the same city with his wife would have obvious appeal. Nevermind the chance to be in the same trenches with Khalil Mack, Robert Quinn, and Akiem Hicks.
Not to mention playing in Chicago would put him much closer to his home in Wisconsin where he grew up. As is typical in these situations, the money will do the talking. Even at age 32, Watt won’t be a bargain. He’d either have to give the Bears a discount or GM Ryan Pace would have to work the contract in a way that eases the salary cap hit.
Still, Watt together with those three rushers on the same front? It’s hard not to get excited about the possibility, even if the odds are against it happening.
