When Dencio Autry was slapped with a six-game suspension for PED usage earlier this offseason, most Houston Texans had the same thought on how to replace the veteran defensive lineman.
Re-sign J.J. Watt.
That’s been the talk of the offseason since Watt told reporters that he’d consider reuniting with the reigning AFC South champions if “it was only necessary.”
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans reiterated on the late episode of ‘Up & Adams’ that the door would always be open for Watt to strap it up one more time, but reminded fans that the Watt who once trained during the summer for Sundays in the fall might no longer possess the same relentless motor.
“J.J.’s been out now for what, two years? When you stop playing football for two years, it’s hard to come back,” Ryans said. “It’s always open for JJ. I’m never closing that door.”
"J.J. knows that anytime he's READY, I'm ready."
– DeMeco Ryans on if there's room for @JJWatt on the #Texans stacked defense 😏@heykayadams @HoustonTexans #htownmade pic.twitter.com/GBxR1Hyot3
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) August 7, 2024
Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and Houston’s all-time leader in sacks, retired after a 12.5-sack season in 2022 with the Arizona Cardinals. He’s set to begin a new venture in the broadcast booth as part of the morning crew on CBS.
But fans have begged for a “one final rodeo” off NRG Drive with arguably the franchise’s top star. Maybe it could happen if Houston runs out of options, but Watt hasn’t played a down in over a year and might more so provide high value in a leadership aspect.
Even with Autry’s suspension, the Texans remain a favorite in the AFC after a booming offseason. They signed top free agents in linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive end Danielle Hunter. They traded for Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and two-time All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs to better their offensive personnel.
🚨 BREAKING
J.J. Watt has hinted at a possible return to the NFL with the Houston Texans, under the condition that head coach DeMeco Ryans 'absolutely' needs him. pic.twitter.com/gtIiKaYsE3
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 5, 2024
Houston remains a top-level roster with its firepower and star talent. It should be fine without Autry or a Watt reunion en route to clinching another AFC South division title, though Ryans will let the former defensive end decide if he wants to come back for one final run to a Lombardi Trophy.
