For as dysfunctional and disorganized as the Dallas Cowboys can seem, they have nothing on their in-state rival Houston Texans.
Currently in a public battle with their young star quarterback, the Texans released the best player in their franchise’s history on Friday in defensive lineman JJ Watt. Watt, who will turn 32 years old in March, has notably struggled with injury issues since 2016, but did play all 16 games last year.
As expected, the rumors around Watt’s future have gained speed quickly. And Cowboys fans are wondering where they fit in. According to Calvin Watkins, though, it doesn’t sound like they fit in at all.
Watkins tweeted on Friday morning that the Cowboys haven’t discussed JJ Watt, and added that his source noted that no one else in the building would be excited about it. Outside of owner Jerry Jones, of course.
One Cowboys source on JJ Watt: “We haven’t discussed him.” Another: “Jerry gets excited over these things but don’t know anyone else in the building would.”
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 12, 2021
What?
Watt may be getting up there in age, but he could be ready for a late career resurgence by moving inside in a new scheme. I love his fit with the Cowboys, rushing inside while DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory take to the edge.
I mean, can you imagine?
Watt has played mostly on the edge since 2014, but his new team may want him pass rushing from the interior
Last two years, PFF pass-rush grade:
Defensive Interior: 90.1 (4th, 212 rushes)
EDGE: 78.1 (25th, 757 rushes)Watt can dominate inside pic.twitter.com/8koXVMWcuR
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) February 12, 2021
Unfortunately, you have to wonder if JJ Watt even has any interest in the Cowboys. He has made it clear he wants to compete for a Super Bowl, and the Cowboys don’t jump off the page as a pass rusher away from real contention. Especially with their own uncertain future at quarterback.
Either way, the Cowboys need to make the call and see if they can make this work. Even if they do get told “no” right off the bat.
