Packers: 5 bold predictions for 2021 offseason

Packers sign J.J. Watt

Signing J.J. Watt would be amazing on so many levels for the Packers. First, there’s the hometown connection, as he grew up just a couple of hours south of Green Bay. Watt and his brothers were a staple of the Wisconsin Badgers’ football program and this would be nostalgia at its max.

The fit is even better from an on the field football perspective. Although Watt may not be the dominant five-time All-Pro and three-time Defensive Player of the Year he once was, he’s still a disruptive force in both the passing and running games. Watt could lineup next to Kenny Clark on the inside or split some time with Rashan Gary and Za’Darius Smith on the outside. A front four of Clark, Smith, Gary and Watt would be an elite one for Green Bay.

Of course, the biggest hurdle is money. Watt was set to make about $17 million before being released by the Houston Texans, and he’ll command significant interest on the open market. That will drive up his price, to be sure, and the only way Green Bay will have a chance is if Watt is open to giving them a significant discount.