DeMeco Ryans should call JJ Watt

When I moved to Houston almost two years ago, I learned that there were two people who weren’t talked about badly here.

Beyoncé, because she is the queen.

And JJ Watt, arguably the best player in Texans history, will most likely be the second member of the franchise inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Watt, who spent 10 seasons in Houston, was a five-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year for his efforts in the community of Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, made headlines Saturday when he revealed to reporters at his annual softball game in Sugar Land that he had not yet closed the door on a return to the football field.

The 35-year-old CBS analyst, husband and father, said he was glad to no longer play. But he also said he told coach and former Texans teammate DeMeco Ryans last year that if Ryans absolutely needed him to suit up, he would be there for him.

Apparently, this offer is valid for 2024. And on Monday, Ryans fanned the flames.

“I need him now,” the second-year coach said when I asked under “what realistic circumstances” would he call Watt. “I have to make this call now. Whenever JJ Watt is ready to go, I’m ready to go.

Ryans said it jokingly, but the fact that he didn’t rule out the idea tells me that it’s not entirely out of the question that Ryans would make that call if he deemed it absolutely necessary.

It might not happen today, but it could happen if the Texans lose a player and put the playoffs on the line.

Watt said Saturday that this is the last season his offer will be on the table.

“Because I’m not going to continue training like I’ve been doing,” said Watt, who has maintained his muscular figure. “But he knows that if he really needs it, I will be there for him. But I don’t think that will happen. They have a very good crew.

Watt has only been out of the NFL for a single season, which likely gave him a chance to rest his body. The last time he played – in 2022 – he had 12½ sacks in 16 games for the Cardinals.

If ever there was a time to use that “phone a friend” lifeline, it’s now. And I don’t feel crazy writing this.

With the addition of pieces like Joe Mixon, Danielle Hunter and Stefon Diggs, the Texans, who lost in the divisional round of the playoffs last year, have a team capable of competing for a Super Bowl. Why not take a chance on maximizing that potential with another team leader who happens to be an all-time great?

Last year, I wrote that the Texans should hire Ryans as they search for their third head coach in three years. And it wasn’t just because he was a former Texans player, although that was certainly a plus.

If you asked anyone who opposed the defenses he coordinated with the 49ers, they would tell you how tough those units were. Ryans was the best coach around, and that became evident considering how he was able to turn around the Texans’ fortunes in one season. They finished 11-8 after going 3-13-1 the year before.

Watt probably wouldn’t have the same impact, but the Texans could certainly use him. They need help on the defensive line, especially on the interior.

Their edge rushers – from Hunter to Will Anderson Jr. to Denico Autry to Derek Barnett – look great on paper and will likely be a strength this season. But their interior lacks the same punch and won’t inspire fear in opponents.

I thought the Texans took a few steps back at defensive tackle when Sheldon Rankins entered free agency and Maliek Collins was traded. The projected starters are now Tim Settle Jr. and Foley Fatukasi. Settle had one sack and one tackle for loss in 17 games last season. Fatukasi had no sacks and three tackles for loss in 16 games.

Houston hoped to leave the NFL draft with one of the top defensive tackles, but failed to secure one in the early rounds. Executive vice president and general manager Nick Caserio later said there would be opportunities between now and September to add a defensive tackle if the Texans deem it necessary.

Again, what about Watt? He would give the Texans another experienced player who was elite at rushing the passer just two years ago.

And who was his defensive line coach his final year at Arizona? Current Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke.

One potential obstacle could be that Watt played in a 3-4 scheme for most of his career, and Ryans played a 4-3 scheme. Watt might have trouble transitioning from first to second down. The third down, in case of an obvious transmission, would probably be his strong point.

But who’s to say he couldn’t make the adjustment?

Imagine this for a minute with me: It’s the fourth quarter of a close game. The Texans are on defense. They forced third-and-long, and Hunter, Watt, Autry and Anderson all rushed the passer.

This defensive line would scare anyone.

The potential positives outweigh the negatives. At worst, Watt doesn’t play many games but helps fill seats and is a leader in the locker room. At best, he’s a locker room leader who contributes significantly to a fearsome pass rush.

“I had his number ready, just in case we needed it,” Ryans said with a laugh. “JJ looks good. He is in shape. It’s ready to ride. I may have to make that call, so I’m glad it’s open on his part.

“JJ is an exceptional player. He has been an outstanding player in this league for a long time.

Some people don’t like sequels. I’m generally not a big fan of it either. They do not always work out satisfactorily.

But this one makes too much sense.

The Texans should bring in Watt, the most beloved player in franchise history.