Report: Watt seriously considering Browns

Former Houston Texans star J.J. Watt is seriously considering the Cleveland Browns as one of his free-agent options, sources told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is reportedly keen on joining the Browns due to the franchise's ability to pay him market value and its potential to be a contender in 2021.

Watt has also prioritized finding a strong supporting cast and team culture, which Cleveland possesses, added Cabot.

The Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and Tennessee Titans are apparently among around a dozen clubs eyeing Watt since his release Friday.

Of those four teams, Cleveland is best-placed to meet the pass rusher's salary demands, with a projected $21.7 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap.

Pittsburgh will need to make significant moves, as it's currently projected to be $30.6 million over the expected $180.5-million cap. Meanwhile, Tennessee and Buffalo sit at $3.08 million and $323,000 over the cap, respectively.

Watt's sack numbers have waned in recent years, with the defensive end producing five this season and four during an injury-shortened 2019 campaign. However, the 31-year-old racked up 16 quarterback takedowns and seven forced fumbles in 2018, bouncing back from a host of ailments that limited him to just eight games over the prior two years.

Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.