Patriots free agency rumors: J.J. Watt is the formula for Bill Belichick

Just imagine for a moment J.J. Watt in a New England Patriots uniform sacking Tom Brady at Gillette Stadium in 2021.

Better yet, imagine Bill Belichick not only utilizing the size and talent of the veteran defensive end along the defensive line, but using him as a tight end in the red zone similar to the way he utilized Mike Vrabel during his playing days in New England.

Perhaps all the above is just a far-fetched dream or perhaps it’s a premonition.  Either way, the reality of those scenarios is the possible reality the news this week in the NFL has produced as the Houston Texans have agreed to release Watt making him one of the prized free agents in 2021:

Despite being on the other side of 30 and seeing his production decline a little over the last few seasons, primarily due to injuries, the news of the three-time Defensive Player of the Year has fanbases across the league salivating, especially Patriots fans as Belichick’s defense is in dire need of a facelift.

As a player who has made his money and is looking to play for a contender, what could lead J.J. Watt to the Patriots is the opportunity to play for a great defensive mind like Belichick.

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Though the Patriots may seem far away from being a contender, bringing in a few veterans hungry to win like a Watt could change the status of the franchise in 2021 really quick, especially if the team finds a reliable upgrade at the quarterback position.

J.J. Watt is exactly what the New England Patriots need

Could Bill Belichick turn back the clock and re-tool the Patriots like he did back in 2000 when he brought in veterans like Roman Phifer and Bryan Cox to help put an identity on his defense?

Could Watt be that player in 2021?

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler certainly believes so, which is why he has the New England Patriots as one of the “best fits” to sign Watt.

Here is what Fowler wrote, via NESN:

"“I know they are in a rebuild, but this is the perfect Bill Belichick signing, adding a piece he can use as a Swiss Army knife up front. The Patriots have $50 million in cap space, some of which they will use on a quarterback. But New England’s formula starts and stops with the defense right now, and here’s to betting on a playoff run sooner rather than later.”"

That is actually the best strategy for Belichick going forward and Watt’s release seems to be too perfect when it comes to timing.

Not only would Watt give Belichick a veteran pass rusher who also plays well against the run, he would add to a nice core of veteran leadership on the defensive side of the football along with Devin McCourty, Dont’a Hightower, Stephon Gilmore, Patrick Chung and the potential re-signing of Lawrence Guy.

Add those veterans to a young core of players that include J.C. Jackson, Chase Winovich, Kyle Dugger, Josh Uche and whoever the team selects in the 2021 NFL Draft and suddenly Belichick would have a solid core of players to work with in 2021.

While the Patriots may not be at the top of the list for Watt days after his release, one call from Belichick could change all of that, especially if the Patriots coach believes a player like Watt can help him get back to the top of the NFL.

If he once convinced Randy Moss, he could convince a player and competitor like J.J. Watt.