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In the AFC Championship game, it was the story of two assists.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen appeared to be facing most of the pressure. He was hit 10 times and took four sacks. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, on the other hand, seemed to have as much time as he needed. Despite a toe injury, Buffalo couldn’t come close to the quarterback. He was hit three times and sacked once without a loss.
After their 38-24 loss to the Chiefs, Brandon Beane spoke to the media. While noting that the team has taken another step this season, Beane mentioned that Buffalo is still not a Super Bowl contender. He even went so far as to recognize that the team must find a way to affect opposing quarterbacks, including watching the team’s pass rush based on the league game failure.
Buffalo’s defensive line does not have a dominant pass holder. Jerry Hughes is still above average in this area, but the team needs a player who can resume a game. Unfortunately for the Bills, these types of players usually don’t reach the market.
One player, however, could call on Buffalo despite his arguably better days behind him.
It was reported on Saturday that there is a belief that JJ Watt played his last game with the Houston Texans. Watt is certainly the type of player the Bills want on and off the field, but is Watt’s addition realistic? Here is what we know.
The player
JJ Watt is a three-time former Defensive Player of the Year. He has been named to eight All-Pro teams and five Pro Bowl rosters. Watt has also been the NFL sack chief twice during his career.
It’s important to note that any team adding Watt wouldn’t get this JJ Watt.
Watt, soon to be 32, has nine sacks in the past two seasons (24 games). It’s important to note that his 2019 campaign has been shortened to just eight regular season games, but double-digit sack days may be a thing of the past.
The injuries also took their toll on Watt. In the past five seasons, Watt has only played 16 games twice. He missed 32 regular season games during that span.
Watt might not be the prolific passer he was, but he’s still efficient. Pro Football Focus ranked him as one of their best EDGE rushers of 2020. He finished last season with five sacks, 17 quarterback hits and one interception with the Texans.
Texans lack space for caps
The Texans, according to Over The Cap, are nearly $ 18 million above the cap as the 2021 season approaches. That’s without re-signing any of their own players, signing free agents or picking in draft.
This is one of the reasons why Houston should leave Watt.
Watt contract
Watt has one year left on his contract with Houston. Its ceiling reached for 2021 is $ 17.5 million.
Reducing or releasing Watt would go a long way in resolving Houston’s salary cap issues.
How much would it cost Buffalo in a trade?
It is not known what Watt’s market would be in the commercial market. Many teams are limited as we approach 2021 due to the salary cap which is expected to be lower than in previous years.
If he’s moved, however, the Texans could get a similar package to what the Jaguars got from the Ravens for Calais Campbell. Campbell was offered a fifth round pick a year ago.
Any team looking to trade against Watt could restructure their deal.
Possible victim of the cap?
If a team wants enough Watt, a trade is an option. Interested teams should realistically wait for Watt’s release. The former Defensive Player of the Year is not carrying dead money if he is released by the Texans.
Could Buffalo make room for Watt?
Buffalo is already up against the cap and that’s with some key players (Matt Milano, Daryl Williams, Jon Feliciano) about to hit free agency.
It certainly hurts Buffalo’s chances of negotiating or signing Watt, but the team has a way of freeing up some money by restructuring a few contracts and possibly severing ties with some veterans. Below are some potential reductions that could be made and what they would free up in terms of ceiling space.
- WR John Brown ($ 7.9 million)
- BY Mario Addison ($ 6.1 million)
- DL Quinton Jefferson ($ 6.5 million)
- DL Vernon Butler ($ 6.8 million)
Buffalo won’t cut all of the above names and there are other candidates who could also be on the line, but room could be made.
Brandon Beane has said he doesn’t anticipate any “successful moves” a year after negotiating for Stefon Diggs, but never ever say if the GM thinks Watt is bringing them closer to playing in the Super Bowl next season.
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