Texans coach DeMeco Ryans calls JJ Watt’s bluff with NFL comeback talk

The Texans have assembled a fearsome defense under head coach DeMeco Ryans. It is no surprise that the former middle linebacker understands the importance of defensive football. On a recent radio hit, Ryans made a plea for one former Texans legend to return to the squad if they should need him in 2024.

On a recent episode of The Rich Eisen Show, head coach Ryans seemed to call JJ Watt’s bluff and said he’s welcome on the Texans. Watt has recently said he would be open to rejoining the Texans after retiring from the NFL in 2022.

“Come on JJ, you ready, let’s go,” Ryans said.

Ryans had a laugh when talking a Watt comeback, but also said he’d love to add him to what the Texans are doing.

Eisen asked Ryans if he’d heard what Watt has said about unretiring.

“He did say that, he said it last year, he said it again this year,” Ryans said. “I’ve got to make sure I take him up on that offer this year.”

Ryans went on to say that having Watt in his back pocket as an emergency option would definitely be a good thing for the Texans.

“It is, only if we have to use it,” Ryans added. “We’ll see what he has left, but JJ is a big time player, would love to add him to what we’re doing here.”

If he rejoined the team, Watt wouldn’t immediately enter the starting lineup. Houston is set with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter on the edges. They also have other veterans like Mario Edwards Jr. and Derek Barnett as reinforcements.

The Texans’ only weakness on defense is the secondary. Houston added Jeff Okudah in free agency and drafted second-round pick Kamari Lassiter to join Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre.

Previewing the 2024 NFL schedule for the Houston Texans