JJ Watt reveals being offered $99,000,000 by a fan to play for Lions
Could former NFL defensive end JJ Watt join the Detroit Lions? He's been offered $99 million to play for the team. But by a fan.
Detroit is grappling with a season plagued by injuries, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. On Wednesday's episode of "The Pat McAfee Show," Watt said:
"A fan offered me a $99 million contract for the remainder of the season, and I said I would sign that. So whenever that paperwork comes in, happy to do it."
Of course, Watt is just joking and wasn't offered to play for the Lions by the team. Though, he is just two years removed from a 12.5-sack season.
The Lions have had a plethora of injuries on defense this season. The following players have been listed on injured reserve at some point with some suffering season-ending injuries: DE Aidan Hutchinson, DT Alim McNeill, DT Kyle Peko, DE Marcus Davenport, DE John Cominsky, DT Mekhi Wingo, DE Nate Lynn, DT David Bada, LB Alex Anzalone, LB Derrick Barnes, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB Malcolm Rodriguez, CB Carlton Davis, CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB Khalil Dorsey and S Ifeatu Melifonwu.
Offensive players such as David Montgomery, Kalif Raymond, Antoine Green, Connor Galvin, Netane Muti and kicker Michael Badgley have all been placed on IR as well.
Detroit Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson "on track" to return for the Super Bowl
Despite all the injuries the Detroit Lions have endured this season, they are still 12-2 and hold first place in the NFC North division.
As the Lions look to make a Super Bowl run, they could get one of their key defensive linemen back in time for the Super Bowl if they make it that far.
"I'm at that mark and I'm on track for my goal of returning for the Super Bowl," Hutchinson told "The Squeeze" podcast. "I keep telling all the boys when I see them in the facility, I'm like, 'You guys just got to get there and I promise you I'm going to be back.'"
Hutchinson was on his way to having a Defensive Player of the Year kind of season before he suffered a season-ending tibia and fibula injury against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6.
Hutchinson recorded 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble and 19 total tackles before his injury. Getting Hutchinson back for any game this season would be huge for Detroit.