The Cleveland Browns are quickly becoming the leading contender to land JJ Watt.
Reports indicate that Watt is interested in joining the Browns.
JJ Watt to Cleveland? The star defensive end is intrigued by the possibility… 🤔 pic.twitter.com/WfIesli19b
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) February 16, 2021
Reactions
Portland Trail Blazer guard and native Ohioan CJ McCollum is the latest to weigh in on this news.
McCollum tweeted:
“Figured I waited enough days for things to chill out. You’re more than welcome to come to Cleveland to play for my @Browns. Defense would be sensational. Just a thought @JJWatt. Let me know if you need anything in Ohio. Plus we get plenty of snow. Blessings.
Figured I waited enough days for things to chill out. You’re more than welcome to come to Cleveland to play for my @Browns . Defense would be sensational. Just a thought @JJWatt . Let me know if you need anything in Ohio. Plus we get plenty of snow. Blessings
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 16, 2021
There is so much to love about McCollum’s reaction.
He obviously loves his hometown team and is not afraid to woo talented players to it.
Less than two weeks ago, he was letting Richard Sherman know that he too would be welcome in Cleveland.
Yoooo @RSherman_25 . Just want you to know. We would love to have you in The land with my squad @Browns . If you need recommendations on places to live or restaurants let me know🤝
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 5, 2021
I am starting to think the 29 year old McCollum is angling for a job in the Browns’ front office or the local chamber of commerce when his basketball days are over.
Last week, Browns legend Joe Thomas shared his thoughts on Watt joining the Browns.
That’s a good look…just saying’🔥🔥🔥🏆🏆🏆🍻🍻 https://t.co/DjA1S8e6hK
— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) February 13, 2021
What JJ Watt Wants
There is no doubt in this stage in his career he wants to play for a legitimate contender.
The Browns could definitely be classified as such.
He also wants money which the Browns have given their positive financial position.
The question is do the Browns want Watt badly enough to potentially become “house poor” to use a real estate term.
There are other free agents to consider, and the extensions for Nick Chubb and Baker Mayfield are looming.
It is not clear yet from the Browns standpoint if GM Andrew Berry and Coach Kevin Stefanski are ready to make the leap to sign JJ Watt.
Other Teams Are In The Mix
If the day of the week ends with the word “day”, there is a new rumor about where JJ Watt may land.
First, there was talk about him joining his brothers in Pittsburgh.
Then, we learned one of his life long dreams was to play in Lambeau making the Packers a contender.
That is one of several reasons Green Bay could be the choice; recall that Watt was born in Wisconsin and went to the University of Wisconsin.
Watt’s own words back in 2019 could be telling.
This was the first time he played in Lambeau in a 2019 preseason game between the Texans and Packers.
“I don’t get overly emotional for too many things, and today was one of them. I literally have looked through these fences as a kid and watched practice, watched Brett Favre practice. I’ve seen the bike tradition, I’ve stood outside the gates by the players’ lot trying to get autographs. For me, this is literally a dream I’ve had since I was a little kid. To be able to walk out on this practice field and play in the shadows of Lambeau Field, it was pretty special.”
This saga is far from over so buckle up because more rumors will hit the airwaves tomorrow.
NEXT: Report: J.J. Watt Seriously Considering Signing With Browns
