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It’s been a week since the first big-name NFL free agent — J.J. Watt — hit the open market.
Watt’s relocation has been a slow process so far, without much or any interest from the Las Vegas Raiders.
When the Houston Texans released Watt last Friday, the Raiders appeared to be a logical suitor. They badly need pass rushers and Raiders coach Jon Gruden loves veteran stars.
A week into Watt’s open market, though, the Raiders have not been mentioned as a contender for him much at all.
It seems the top contenders at the moment may be the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. At least, those are the teams I’ve most seen connected to Watt.
ESPN’s Ed Werder recently broke down what factors he has heard are the main priorities for Watt as he looks for a new home — aside from winning a Super Bowl, of course.
I’ve been told these are likely to be JJ Watt’s most important considerations in choosing his next team, remembering his priority is winning Super Bowl:
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) February 17, 2021
1. Quarterback.
2. Supporting personnel.
3. Money
The Raiders may not be able to compete with the teams that have been connected the most to Watt so far. The Bills and Browns may be ready to become Super Bowl favorites, Watt’s brothers play for the Steelers, and Green Bay is attractive for several reasons, including the fact that Watt is from Wisconsin.
However, I think it would be a mistake to think the Raiders are out of the running, but the current signs don’t point to him landing on The Strip.
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