Are the new Arizona Cardinals free agents upgrades or setbacks

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans participates in warmups prior to a game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

J.J. Watt

In 2020, Watt proved he could still play. And Pro Football Focus (PFF) backed it up, giving him a grade of 85.4, which ranked 7th out of 109 qualifying edge rushers. And while he hasn’t put up the same numbers that he did earlier in his career, his grade and production show that he still has a solid place in today’s NFL.

Last season, Watt logged 52 combined tackles, 5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hits. Yes, his numbers were down as opposed to his earlier years, and they were also down by J.J. Watt standards. However, they’re still more than respectable for a player who will enter his 11th NFL Season.

If there is ever an upside about Watt, it’s that after struggling with injuries in 2019, he started a full slate of 16 games in 2020. He also recorded his second career interception, which turned into a pick-six, while also posting a fumble recovery.

Upgrade? Yes: While Watt will likely line up as a defensive end, he’s a solid addition to a lineup that has seen a plethora of injuries in 2020. Plus, Zac Allen was the only one from the crop who performed well when healthy.

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