NFL star Watt says free agency is ‘wild’

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 $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.

SHERIFF: VINCENT JACKSON SUFFERED FROM

‘CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM’ >> Pro Bowl wide receiver Vincent Jackson struggled with alcoholism and other health issues before he was found dead in a Florida hotel room this week, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said.

Chronister also said Jackson’s family is concerned he might have suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a progressive and fatal disease that has been linked to concussions.

Jackson, 38, was found dead Monday at the Homewood Suites in Brandon, where he had been living since Jan. 11.

“We got the autopsy report back that is going to be released,” Chronister said during a radio appearance, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

“Unfortunately, he suffered from chronic alcoholism. Again, just tragic. We haven’t gotten the toxicology report back, so can’t say with any certainty that was it. But a lot of longstanding health conditions that contributed to his passing because of some alcohol abuse.”

According to Chronister, Jackson’s family suspects CTE because he sustained multiple concussions during a 12-year NFL career with the San Diego Chargers (2005-11) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-16). STEELERS TO STUDY ROETHLISBERGER

SITUATION >> Ben Roethlisberger met with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, general manager Kevin Colbert and owner Art Rooney to discuss his future in Pittsburgh.

Colbert said that Roethlisberger stated his desire to be part of the team in 2021. Ultimately, however, the decision might not be Roethlisberger’s to make as Colbert repeated to the quarterback the message Rooney already had delivered — there are no guarantees.

“He reiterated to us that he wants to continue to play. We told him we have to look at this current situation,” Colbert said.

Colbert also couched Roethlisberger’s spot on the roster with an ominous qualifier: “As we sit here today.” He said the primary factor that must be resolved before talks can continue is the team’s overall salary cap situation.

Rooney said in January that Big Ben’s 18th season with the Steelers could not come with the contracted $41.25 million salary-cap hit. Roethlisberger is due to earn $19 million next season, with $4 million in salary and $15 million coming as a roster bonus on the third day of the 2021 league year.

RANDLE EL TO COACH

WIDE RECEIVERS WITH LIONS >> The Detroit Lions have hired wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El. Detroit coach Dan Campbell added the former NFL receiver to his staff Wednesday after he was with the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers the past two seasons as an offensive assistant.

Randle El was drafted by Pittsburgh in 2002, and the former Indiana quarterback and point guard had a nine-year career in the NFL as a dynamic receiver with the Steelers and Washington.

Soccer

EARTHQUAKES SIGN ARGENTINE

DEFENDER ABECASIS >> The San Jose Earthquakes announced the signing of Argentine right back Luciano Abecasis to a one-year contract with option to extend.

Abecasis, 30, has competed in Argentina, Italy and Paraguay during his extensive playing career. He most recently played for Paraguay’s Club Libertad Asuncion in 2020, tallying one assist in 13 appearances.

Abecasis will occupy an international roster slot. The deal is pending receipt of his international paperwork.

Motorsports

CHASE ELLIOTT ON POLE

FOR DAYTONA ROAD COURSE >> Chase Elliott is on the pole for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race on the Daytona Road Course.

Using a weighted formula devised by NASCAR during the pandemic-impacted 2020 season, Elliott gets the lead spot with Daytona 500 champion Michael McDowell second, Austin Dillon third and Denny Hamlin fourth.

In 12 road course starts, Elliott has five wins. He has won four consecutive road races.