J.J. Watt announced some big news on Monday, revealing he’s signing with the Arizona Cardinals. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that it’s a two-year deal worth $31 million, including $23 million guaranteed.
The Cardinals seemingly came out of nowhere to land one of the biggest free agents on the market following Watt’s release from the Texans last month, adding a veteran pass rusher to their defensive front. Watt, who has 101 career sacks and three Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name, will attempt to lift the Cardinals defense to new heights next season.
Given how surprising Watt’s decision was – and the way he announced it on Twitter – fans, media members and players were caught off guard by the move. Here’s how Twitter reacted after Watt dropped the news Monday.
First DeAndre Hopkins, now JJ Watt. Who gets into the Cardinals Ring of Fame first, Bill O’ Brien or Cal McNair? https://t.co/XTmNz6OraA
— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) March 1, 2021
Why are people scoffing at the notion of the Cardinals being a contender? 8-8 last year with a 9-win point differential and five one-score losses. Kyler Murray could easily take a leap forward and plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) March 1, 2021
excited for JJ to have to make a bunch of small talk with the locals in AZ about the benefits of dry heat vs humidity https://t.co/KyATWkrJXV
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) March 1, 2021
JJ: I wanna go to a conten…….wait how much guaranteed? Let's do this.
— Jeff Cavanaugh (@JC1053) March 1, 2021
J.J. Watt will have a great pass rusher opposite of him in Chandler Jones. A good fit for him and Arizona.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 1, 2021
And JJ Watt, DeAndre Hopkins and the Cardinals face the Texans next regular season 🍿
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 1, 2021
🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫 #LFG
— Budda Baker (@buddabaker32) March 1, 2021
Chandler Jones, Jj watt 👀
— Tony Jefferson II (@_tonyjefferson) March 1, 2021
Chandler and JJ 😳 Russ is really going to ask for a trade if they don’t bolster up that offensive line 😂
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) March 1, 2021
https://t.co/UI9fGomHE6 pic.twitter.com/RQJFZOvD1n
— Chase Edmonds (@ChaseEdmonds22) March 1, 2021
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