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J.J. Watt Says Packers Showed No Interest in 2021 Despite Hometown Discount

He says the team never provided a contract number during his 2021 free agency despite his openness to a steep discount.

Overview

  • On a December 17 appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Watt said he prioritized Green Bay in 2021 free agency but was told his agent could not get a number from the team.
  • He said $5 million would have secured his commitment to the Packers, yet no offer was presented.
  • After leaving Houston, he signed with Arizona on a two-year, $28 million contract and logged 13.5 sacks in 23 games, including 12.5 in 2022, before retiring.
  • Coverage highlights his Wisconsin roots and University of Wisconsin background as key reasons he wanted to finish his career in Green Bay.
  • Analysts cite the Packers' 2021 investments in Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary as a plausible factor, and there has been no reported response from the team.