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T.J. Watt came in second in Defensive Player of the Year award voting for the 2021 season, and predictably, there’s a lot of upset people. T.J. Watt led the NFL in sacks, quarterback hits, and in tackles for a loss in 2020, an impressive feat. Watt also added 5 passes defended and an interception. No other defender recorded at least 10 sacks while also recording an interception or at least 5 passes defended.
It was a special year for the Steeler outside linebacker, leading the NFL in all three of the most relevant stats for players who primarily rush, while also showing the ability to make plays in coverage.
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Tampa Bay s hired-gun trio Gronkowski, Fournette, and Brown is a month from free agency. So are Barrett, Godwin, Suh, and longtime linebacker Lavonte David. This presents a puzzle for Licht, even with a top-10 cap-space figure. The Bucs have indicated they want to keep Godwin the top tag candidate and Brown, with Gronk still on a Brady-or-nobody QB policy. Barrett cannot be allowed to leave. This glut of expiring contracts aside, the Bucs can expect to attract more ring-chasing veterans. Next year s NFC derby figures to still feature the Packers and Rams. Barring a substantial Brady decline, the Bucs will be a central figure as well.