JJ Watt & AJ Green Headline Arizona Cardinals 2021 Signings
The Arizona Cardinals have stunned the league again with a potentially tremendous move. Defensive end J.J. Watt is the latest marquee signing for the Arizona Cardinals.
Watt, since his release from Houston earlier in the year was rumored to be free agent target of multiple teams, none of which where the Arizona Cardinals.
Watt, made the announcement himself on Twitter, which was quickly followed by an official press release by the team just minutes later.
“The one thing I can promise (the fans) is that I’m going to work my ass off every day to make you proud,” Watt added.
Multiple reports have the deal for the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year for potentially $31 million, with $23 million guaranteed.
Watt who has 101 career sacks, is joined by seasoned wide receiver A.J. Green as newcomers to the 2021 Arizona Cardinals roster
(image credit – nflinsider.com)
What J.J. Watt joining the Cardinals means for their defense:
The Arizona Cardinals have emerged as the unexpected victors of the J.J. Watt free agency sweepstakes. Adding Watt undeniably bolsters their defense with one of the best pass-rushers in the game, and a future Hall of Famer.
The Cardinals already had a strong defensive end in Chandler Jones, the addition of the 31-year-old Watt adds a strong complimentary player to rush the passed on the other side of the line. Jones will undoubtedly benefit from the experience and credibility of Watt on the line with him.
The risk to this move remains in J.J. Watt’s ability to stay healthy for the duration of an entire season. Now on the wrong side of 30, Watt has played in 16 games just twice since 2015. As great as Watt is while healthy, he has an equally concerning injury history. If Watt can manage to stay healthy for the season, the Arizona Cardinals are expecting double-digit sack output.
(image credit – espn.com)
A.J. Green, wide receiver joins the Arizona Cardinals on a 1-year deal
Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green is joining the Arizona Cardinals on a 1-year deal.
Green, who has played with the Bengals throughout his entire career, was a mainstay top-10 wide receiver contributing many seasons as the only meaningful receiving option. While Green put up potentially Hall of Fame numbers while a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, he did have many injury riddled seasons that hampered his potential production.
The Cardinals have an obvious need for a WR2 for young quarterback Kyler Murray. Even though Green is entering the season at 33-years-old, if healthy he should be a dynamic complement to superstar DeAndre Hopkins. A.J. Green did manage a full 16 game season in 2020, but the risk remains if he will be able to stay healthy for the entire 2021 season.
