J.J. Watt acknowledges ‘a number of unknowns’ relating to contract scenario

Vocal about his frustration with the Texans‘ scenario, J.J. Watt is on observe to play in 16 video games for simply second time previously 5 seasons. Although a midseason report tabbed the longer term Hall of Fame defensive lineman as a “virtual lock” to be traded within the offseason, Watt has one season remaining on his Texans deal. He acknowledged his contract — a six-year, $100M 2014 pact that has since been lapped by a number of youthful D-linemen — will have to be addressed in 2021.

“There’s a whole lot of unknowns in that situation. We’ll see what happens,” Watt mentioned, by way of Fox 26’s Mark Berman (video link). “I don’t have any guarantees left in my contact, so something’s got to happen one way or another. I’m not sure. There’s too many unknowns.”

Thanks to the Laremy Tunsil deal, the Texans wouldn’t have first- or second-round picks in subsequent 12 months’s draft. Despite Watt’s contributions, Houston’s protection ranks close to the underside of the NFL. And the workforce doesn’t have many long-term cornerstones on offense past Tunsil or Deshaun Watson. Watt, 31, can be an attention-grabbing 2021 commerce chip — ought to the Texans try to gather property for the three-time Defensive Player of the Year — however the prospect of a brand new Watt contract in a 12 months when the cap is about to say no would seemingly have an effect on his market.

Here is the most recent from the AFC heading into Week 17:

• Another celebrity from the 2011 draft class, A.J. Green could also be set for his remaining Bengals recreation Sunday. The former perennial Pro Bowler has seen his position in Cincinnati’s offense diminished, regardless of enjoying on the franchise tag, and acknowledged Sunday could be it for him in western Ohio. “If this is my last game, I had an unbelievable 10 years here,” Green mentioned (by way of ESPN.com’s Ben Baby, on Twitter) Thursday. The Bengals didn’t let Green check free company this 12 months, which understandably led to frustration from the veteran, and 2021 figures to be a crowded market for wideouts. Green, 32, stayed wholesome this 12 months however has simply 47 receptions for 523 yards — a distant third amongst Bengals.
• The Broncos can have a call to make at operating again quickly. They have Phillip Lindsay looming as an RFA, and Melvin Gordon‘s DUI arrest has him facing a three-game suspension — one that would stand to void the remaining guarantees on his two-year, $16M deal. “Hopefully I did enough for them to want to keep me here,” Gordon said, via 9News’ Mike Klis. Gordon has rushed for 893 yards in 14 video games however has a career-low 141 receiving yards.
• A again damage ended Mitchell Schwartz‘s iron-man streak at 134 games; the Chiefs‘ All-Pro right tackle has been out since Week 6. Andy Reid said the veteran right tackle is making progress but was vague on a return timeline, per the Kansas City Star’s Herbie Teope (on Twitter). Another report, by way of the Star’s Sam Mellinger (on Twitter), indicated Schwartz will not be anticipated to return this season. Schwartz, 31, has lengthy been one of many NFL’s prime proper tackles. His absence would clearly make a Chiefs repeat championship tougher.
• Brandon Bolden was one of many eight Patriots to decide out due to COVID-19 considerations, however the longtime backup operating again/special-teamer plans to play in 2021. The 30-year-old again tweeted he desires to return subsequent season, although it isn’t sure if the Patriots will carry him again. Thanks to Bolden’s 2020 cash tolling, he’s underneath contract subsequent 12 months on a $1.3M base wage.