The Houston Texans added a significant name to the free agent market when they took out defensive end JJ Watt. While a team like San Francisco that needs help on the edges might venture to the five-time First Team All-Pro, it’s hard to imagine them giving it a serious kick.
While Watt is an infallible Hall of Fame with three Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name, his days as a dominant player on the rim are behind him. He will celebrate his 32th birthday in March and his 9.0 sacks in 24 games over the past two seasons. Watt has only played two full seasons since 2016 and just 48 out of 80 games possible, although he posted 16.0 sacks in a full 2018 season.
That’s not to say Watt is a bad player. He can still help a team. However, his price given his resume could see significant inflation. ESPN’s Ed Werder reported that up to 12 teams have inquired about the former Texans star.
The problem the 49ers face is where to play. His most valuable role at this point in his career is probably the same role Arik Armstead occupies as a top defender in core packages and as an inner rusher in sub-packages. San Francisco has a ton of money tied up in Armstead and adding another relatively expensive player to that same role wouldn’t be a careful use of the 49ers’ limited space.
If they were looking to add some top assist in a free agency, it will likely be with cheaper players that they can try to fit into a specific role to maximize their talent. Their trade for DE Jordan Willis last season comes to mind, where they only used him as an edge defender and didn’t ask him to drop cover or be a late running defensive end.
Kerry Hyder Jr. is also just having a terrific year and, at this point, would likely be as valuable to the 49ers’ defense as Watt, but at a lower price. If they wanted to spend it on free agency, it would be up to them to try and hold Hyder back instead of going after the bigger name.
With the likes of Trent Williams, Kyle Juszcyzk and K’Waun Williams on the verge of becoming a free agency for the 49ers, they’re going to have to spend wisely. Adding a top player isn’t out of the question, but Watt shouldn’t be the player he’s targeting.
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