`Free agency is wild,' ex-Texans star Watt says

First-time NFL free agent J.J. Watt resurfaced publicly for the first time since he was granted his unconditional release by the Houston Texans to describe his ongoing foray into the open market.

“Free agency is wild,” Watt, 31, said via Twitter on Wednesday.

The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year was swarmed with interest in the hours after he was let go by the Texans. A report on Tuesday from Cleveland.com said Watt finds the Browns an attractive landing spot. In Watt's opinion, the Browns are positioned to make a Super Bowl run. Further, the Browns have US$21.7 million in cap space; Watt was set to make $17.5 million in 2021.

Plus, defensive end Myles Garrett (12 sacks in 2020) would be on the other side.

There are numerous suitors for the five-time All-Pro.

Tennessee general manager Jon Robinson said Tuesday that the Titans have reached out to Watt's agents. Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Green Bay are also potential suitors. However, the Steelers and Packers are $30 million and $19 million over the cap, respectively.

Watt's former teammate in Houston, Arizona wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, also took to social media Tuesday to woo Watt, photoshopping Watt in a Cardinals uniform. Free agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster told Watt to “come play with your brothers” — T.J. and Derek — in Pittsburgh.

The Browns reached out to Watt's agents Friday after his release from Houston.

Watt is Houston's all-time leader in sacks with 101, tackles for loss (172), quarterback hits (282) and forced fumbles (25). He has 531 career tackles, 61 passes defended and 16 fumble recoveries since the Texans made him the No. 11 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.

J.J. Watt