J.J. Watt signs with Cardinals, reunites with DeAndre Hopkins

J.J. Watt ended his dramatic foray into NFL free agency on Monday as he announced that he’d be signing with the Arizona Cardinals, joining former Texans teammate DeAndre Hopkins. 

When the Houston Texans parted ways with franchise cornerstone J.J. Watt, many expected him to join a contender and chase a championship. However, on Monday, Watt ended the drama when he tweeted out the news that he’d be signing with the Arizona Cardinals. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport soon after reported that Watt would be signing a two-year, $31 million deal with the Cardinals.

This move now reunited Watt with his former Texan teammate in wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who was traded to Arizona last season in exchange for running back David Johnson. Additionally, it gives Arizona another piece for their defense as they look to compete in a crowded NFC West that nearly had three teams in the postseason last year until the final week of the season.

Watt needs no introduction. According to Pro Football Focus, since 2011, in terms of quarterback hits and sacks, Watt has 298. This includes the two seasons in 2012 and 2014 where Watt recorded 20.5 sacks each. Though he has had to deal with injuries over the past few years, he has been very productive and can only help the Cardinals.

J.J. Watt establishes the Cardinals as a threat in the NFC West

Don’t get over your heads as many tend to do; this is not a move that automatically puts Arizona in Super Bowl contention. However, it does improve their defense and reaffirms the need for the organization to focus on other areas that need improvement, such as the offensive line.

As for the defense, Arizona gets a very vocal and philanthropic leader in the community, none more apparent than what Watt did for the city of Houston following the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, it gives a boost to Kyler Murray and the offense knowing that an established player can back them up on the opposite side of the ball.

The NFC West is one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL, and the acquisition of J.J. Watt reaffirms that status.

However, when it comes to the Houston Texans, they have to be feeling disappointed over the fact that two of their best players have teamed up in another city and could potentially help them succeed in the long run. Imagine if they were to lose Deshaun Watson now? Houston, there is a problem, and Arizona is reaping the benefits.