Three Teams Reportedly In The Lead For JJ Watt

JJ Watt is experiencing true free agency for the first time. It hasn't been long, but the five-time All-Pro defender has already discovered how crazy things can be.

At this point, it's not about which teams want Watt. It's about which teams Watt wants. During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh, NFL insider John Clayton revealed that three teams were in the lead to secure Watt's services.

Surprisingly, the Pittsburgh Steelers weren't one of the four. The Cleveland Browns and the Miami Dolphins weren't either. Instead, it's Green Bay, Tennessee and Buffalo with Las Vegas as a dark horse, according to Clayton.








Clayton did take to Twitter soon after the news began circulating to clarify that those four weren't finalists. They're leading, but several teams are still in it.






The connections to the leading teams -- or at least two of them -- make sense. Watt grew up a Packers fan, and they're considered one of the top contenders in the NFL. The Titans are coached by Mike Vrabel, who was Watt's defensive coordinator in Houston at one time.

The Bills and the Raiders are also heavily in the mix. Buffalo was close to a Super Bowl appearance this season, and the Raiders have been a competitive team. If they can get some more help defensively -- someone like Watt, perhaps -- then perhaps they can turn the corner.

Yes, Watt will be 32 in March. And yes, he's struggled to stay healthy in recent years. He's still an impact player when healthy though. Whatever team lands the three-time Defensive Player of the Year instantly becomes better -- both on the field and off of it.

My two favorite fits are the Titans and Packers. Why? Imagine Watt added to this:









The Bills have been solid defensively, but Watt wouldn't be given the same one-on-one opportunities there as he could in Tennessee or Green Bay. The same could be said for Las Vegas too.

We'll see what happens.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.