Reggie White and Sean Jones were north of 30 when the Packers signed them. Therefore, I wouldn't dismiss someone being north of 30.
Watt plays 100% on every single play and I think that would rub off on others. For too many seasons, we've had defenders taking plays off. That's simply unacceptable. Watt's at a point in his career where his leadership on and off the field is just as important as his play on the field.
I also like the feeling of pairing Watt with Kenny Clark. I don't think Watt has every played with a NT as dominate as Clark is. They could make each other better.
I do think there's an outside chance GB pursues him. They would have to figure out the cap first. I suspect Preston Smith and Dean Lowry would be notable releases if they sign Watt.
Originally Posted by: porky88
The projected salary cap is something like $185 million and the Packers are early $30 million over that with 61 guys under contract for 2021. This is before the just rumored (and probably true) Bakhtiari restructuring. I think they will need Rodgrs and Za'Darius and Davante to all do some restructuring just to get under the projected $185 million cap. Probably cut Preston Smith, but I think that opens half of his $16 million salary.
The veteran minimum would be something like $1.5 million for a 10 year veteran.
That all being said and could be done. I just don't think JJ Watt is what can put this team over the top. I would love to have the former Wisconsin Badger, absolutely. I just don't see it happening. Especially when rumors are going around that the Buccaneers are one of the teams he's most interested in and they have over $25 million. If I'm Watt, I don't join either of the teams who just played in the Super Bowl. It's hard as heck to repeat and the Super Bowl loser hasn't a great track record the following season.
As for the Reggie White talk. We need to pump the brakes on that. Reggie had five consecutive seasons of playing in all 16 games and Watt has accomplished that only twice in the same span. Sadly, injuries have dismantled Watt from the unstoppable force to a guy who in 16 games last season had just five sacks. Reggie's low in the previous five seasons was 11.
We can speak similar to Sean Jones five previous seasons. Played in all 16 each time except one and lowest sack total 8.5.
There is a LOT more than goes into being productive than sacks. There is the intangibles of leadership and motivating people. Maybe Watt being in Green Bay lures others to come? I don't know. I like Watt, a lot. He's just not the difference maker this team needs. It would be good for headlines and that "feel good" stuff, but in the trenches, it won't get us far.