J.J. Watt provides reminder about free agency, NFL draft

“If you’re hearing a ‘rumor’ it’s because someone wants you to hear that rumor for one reason or another, or someone is purely guessing,” Watt wrote on Twitter. “If people want to keep something quiet, they absolutely can. It’s 100% possible to do deals without any leaks.”

NFL Free Agency/Draft Reminder:

If you’re hearing a “rumor” it’s because someone wants you to hear that rumor for one reason or another, or someone is purely guessing.

If people want to keep something quiet, they absolutely can. It’s 100% possible to do deals without any leaks.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt)

While it’s impossible to tell for sure what spurred Watt to send out this tweet, he seems to be referencing the contract situation of Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson. After failing to reach an agreement on a contract extension, the Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson this week. Jackson is set to make just over $32 million in 2023 as a result, while also being free to negotiate with other teams. In turn, the Ravens will have the opportunity to match any offer sheet or receive two first-round picks as compensation.

Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is sacked by J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans during the first half at NRG Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Houston, Texas.

Despite Jackson being a former MVP who at just 26 years old is still seemingly in his prime, the reported interest from NFL teams has been relatively muted. The Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders and Las Vegas Raiders are on the list of teams that will reportedly not be making a run at Jackson this offseason, per ESPN’s Field Yates.

On Tuesday, Watt tweeted “Why are all of these teams so publicly ‘out’ on Lamar Jackson, an MVP winner in his prime at the most important position in the entire NFL? What am I missing here?”