The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to retool their defense this offseason, but a lighthearted wager may have them considering retired defensive star J.J. Watt for a roster spot.
The Cincinnati Bengals could not find their footing until it was too late in the 2024 season. Even when they hit their stride, the team's surge proved glaringly one-sided.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals' offense carried the load while the team's defense struggled mightily throughout the campaign. That led to the team's decision to fire Lou Anarumo and dip into the college ranks to add Notre Dame's Al Golden as the team's next defensive coordinator.
Now as the team enters the roster-building phase of the offseason, there will be a focus on acquiring more talent on that side. the team holds the No. 17 overall pick and could choose from a wide assortment of highly touted defensive prospects.
But could Cincinnati supplement their influx of defensive talent with a future Hall of Famer? A friendly wager has humorously put former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive star J.J. Watt on the team's radar.
Watt has made a bet with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford that he will play for Trafford's favorite team under the condition that he does not allow a goal for the remainder of the season.
Earlier in February, Watt doubled down on the wager with the goalkeeper of the English League squad during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show.
"If he does that, which is insane, we have 12 or 13 games left. If he does it it's insane enough and respectful enough that I will go out there and follow through. Who knows if they even want me? I haven't talked to them, but I'm in shape I'll go play."
Up to the start of March, Trafford has honored that promise on the pitch. Saturday, Burnley did suffer a 3-0 defeat, but Trafford was not in the net, meaning the bet should still be on.
Perhaps the former defensive terror will make an appearance at training camp with the Bengals if Trafford follows through on his side of the wager, a remarkable feat itself.
Regardless, an actual return to the NFL is a long shot for Watt who already has his legacy etched in stone.
And for the Bengals, they would certainly take an edge rusher of Watt's caliber in his prime, but now the goal is to acquire promising young talent that can restructure their defense around.
