As the NFL offseason begins to heat up, the New York Giants are in a prime position to make some major improvements to their struggling defense. With plenty of cap space and a strong draft class, the Giants have the opportunity to add some much-needed talent to their roster. And one player who could make an immediate impact on their defense is none other than NFL free agent, J.J. Watt.
Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, was recently released by the Houston Texans after spending a decade with the team. At 32 years old, he may not be in his prime anymore, but he still has plenty left in the tank to make a significant impact on any team he joins. And the Giants could certainly use his skillset and veteran leadership to improve their defense.
One of the main reasons why the Giants should consider signing Watt is because of their lackluster pass rush. In the 2020 season, the Giants ranked 12th in the league in total defense, but only 29th in sacks with just 40. This is a clear indication that they need to improve their pass rush in order to become a dominant defense. And there’s no better player to do that than J.J. Watt.
Watt may have battled some injuries in recent years, but he has still managed to be a disruptive force on the field. In 2020, he recorded five sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hits in just 16 games. These numbers may not be as impressive as his prime years, but they are still better than most defensive linemen in the league. And when you consider the fact that he will not be the primary focus of opposing offenses, as he was in Houston, Watt could have an even bigger impact on the Giants’ defense.
But it’s not just Watt’s on-field performance that makes him an attractive free agent for the Giants. His leadership and work ethic are also qualities that the team could greatly benefit from. As a veteran in the league, Watt knows what it takes to win and has been a leader on the Texans’ defense for years. He could bring that same mentality to the Giants’ locker room and help young players reach their full potential.
Furthermore, Watt’s versatility on the field is another aspect that makes him a valuable addition to any team. He is not just a pass rusher, but also excels in run defense and can even drop back into coverage when needed. This kind of versatility is highly sought after in the NFL and would make the Giants’ defense even more dangerous.
Of course, there may be some concerns about Watt’s age and injury history, but the Giants have the resources to manage his workload and keep him healthy. With a strong training staff and depth at the defensive line position, they can ensure that Watt stays fresh and makes a significant impact on the field.
Some may argue that the Giants should focus on adding young talent through the draft rather than signing an aging free agent. While building through the draft is important, having a veteran presence like Watt can accelerate the development of young players and create a winning culture within the team. And with the Giants having the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, they can still address other positions of need while also adding Watt to their roster.
In conclusion, it’s clear that the New York Giants could immediately improve their defense by signing J.J. Watt. He brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and versatility to the table, and his presence alone would make the Giants’ defense a force to be reckoned with. With the franchise in a rebuilding phase, adding a player of Watt’s caliber could be the missing piece to take them to the next level. So, let’s hope that the Giants’ front office sees the potential and makes a move to sign J.J. Watt in free agency.
In the words of Heavy.com, “Giants could beef up their defense by adding NFL free agent J.J. Watt.” And I couldn’t agree more.
