Packers Passed on JJ Watt Even After He Offered a Massive Pay Cut in 2021

JJ Watt grew up supporting the Packers and after his tenure in Houston ended, he wanted to play for the NFC North franchise.

Packers Passed on JJ Watt Even After He Offered a Massive Pay Cut in 2021

JJ Watt and Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst (Image via IMAGO)

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JJ Watt wanted to play for the Green Bay Packers. Ahead of the 2021 NFL season, Watt waited for an offer from the Packers, but the Packers did not show any interest in signing him.

Watt, a three-time defensive player of the year, played twelve seasons in the NFL. He retired after the 2020 season with 39 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks.

Speaking with Pat McAfee on Wednesday’s edition of the Pat McAfee Show, Watt disclosed his desire to play for the Packers before hanging up his cleats.

I wanted to play for the Packers in free agency. I wanted to go to Green Bay. They were not interested.

JJ Watt told McAfee

Watt was ready to play on the veteran minimum salary. However, the Packers moved in a different direction.

I [told my agent] if it’s $2 million, if it’s $4 million, whatever the number is. Put it in front of me, so I can at least consider it against all these options. And they said, ‘We can’t get a number.’

JJ Watt said

It was right after Watt’s decade-long stint with the Houston Texans ended. He wanted the Packers to give him a chance, as he’s Wisconsin-born and bred and played for the Badgers in college while dreaming of one day donning the iconic green and yellow jersey.

I watched Reggie White; that would be incredible. I said I’ll take a significant, significant hometown discount to play there… I was not given a number to consider.

Watt quipped

Eventually, Watt signed with the Arizona Cardinals. According to Spotrac, he penned a two-year, $28 million contract with $23 million guaranteed.

Watt has played a total of 151 games since the Texans drafted him 11th overall in 2011. He racked up 449 solo tackles, 137 assists, 114.5 sacks, 17 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions.

Now, at the age of 36, Watt owns minority shares in the English soccer club Burnley. On July 30, 2025, he joined CBS Sports as a color analyst covering NFL games alongside Ian Eagle and Evan Washburn.

JJ Watt offered a new update on TJ Watt’s health

Watt did not just mumble about his playing days to McAfee and his subordinates. He also touched on a variety of topics, including Tua Tagovailoa’s uncertain situation in Miami, the comeback of Philip Rivers, and an update on his brother TJ Watt’s health.

Packers Passed on JJ Watt Even After He Offered a Massive Pay Cut in 2021
JJ Watt (Image via IMAGO)

TJ missed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the Miami Dolphins on Monday due to concerns regarding his health. McAfee acted as a liaison for the Steelers fans, asking JJ to provide an inside knowledge about his brother’s rehab.

TJ [Watt] is working through it, and he’s handling the situation day by day. It’s obviously not something that he expected, and he’s finding the proper steps to get back to where he would like it to be.

JJ Watt revealed

According to ESPN, Watt underwent surgery after he suffered a partially collapsed lung during a dry needling session at the Steelers’ facility. The hospital discharged the 31-year-old as his surgery was successful.

His recovery timeline remains uncertain, but the Steelers are hopeful that JJ can return to the field as they eye playoff qualification. Before the injury, Watt had 10 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 7.0 sacks.

The Steelers’ next game is against the Detroit Lions. Despite sharing the same 8-6 record, Vegas views the Lions as the favorites to defeat the AFC North franchise.

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