Star defensive end J.J. Watt took to social media on Monday afternoon to announce that he is joining the Arizona Cardinals.
Watt wrote on Twitter “source: me” while posting a picture of himself working out in a Cardinals shirt.
The Cardinals confirmed that Watt agreed to a two-year deal but didn’t announce financial terms. Multiple media outlets reported Watt’s contract is worth $31 million with $23 million guaranteed.
Watt ended what he termed as a “wild” free agency after asking for — and receiving — his release from the Houston Texans on Feb. 12.
Watt, who will turn 32 on March 22, will join former Texans teammate DeAndre Hopkins with the Cardinals. Because he was released by the Texans, Watt is eligible to sign his contract now.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Cardinals, check out #RedSea rumors, rankings, and news here.
Watt was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year on three occasions during his 10 seasons in Houston. He was also a first-team All-Pro five times and won the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2017 after raising more than $37 million for victims of Hurricane Harvey.
He is the team’s all-time leader in sacks with 101, tackles for loss (172), quarterback hits (282) and forced fumbles (25). He has 531 career tackles, 61 passes defensed and 16 fumble recoveries since the Texans made him the No. 11 overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Watt played in 128 games with the Texans, despite losing chunks of three seasons to injuries. He played in just three games in 2016, five in 2017 and eight in 2019.
–Field Level Media