What Cardinals signing J.J. Watt means for Seahawks
By Lee Vowell
The Arizona Cardinals have signed defensive end J.J. Watt, per reports. But what does that mean for the Seahawks in 2021? Well, first of all, it means that they have an intradivision rival trying to make themselves better and doing it aggressively. Secondly, it might not mean anything at all if Watt gets hurt again or is not overly productive.
In fact, J.J. Watt, despite what some members of the Cardinals said when responding to Watt’s signing, could make little change to the standings of the NFC West in 2021. Watt was once a great player a lot like aging veterans who have taken punishment and gotten increasingly injured were great players.
Should Watt scare the Seahawks
Watt was better in the first half of his career than he was in the last half. If he comes in extremely motivated and has a fantastic year, then great. But Watt has been good once in a season since 2015 and otherwise has been mostly injured. Oh, that is instead of 2020 when a healthy Watt had 5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits despite playing 16 games.
In comparison, Seahawks safety Jamal Adams had 9.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits but he is a safety and not an edge rusher. And the Cardinals paid Watt a ton to become a member of the team and he likely is overpaid at this point in his career. Watt signed a two-year deal for a guaranteed $23 million and worth as much as $31 million. That’s a lot to pony up for a player who may not play the entire season and, even if he does, won’t be as effective as he was before 2015.
So, yeah. Thanks, Cardinals. You have overpaid for a diminishing player and lessened your cap space and the Seahawks still have the best quarterback in the division. Maybe Watt gets 2 or 3 sacks against Wilson and maybe the Cardinals beat the Seahawks at least once in 2021.
Next. A 10-step plan to get the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl. dark
But Arizona always beats Seattle at least once in a season and Watt doesn’t change that. The Cardinals still will finish third in the NFC West and below the Seahawks. Enjoy the moment, Cards fan, because the rest is less than what the Seahawks will accomplish.