Extra Points - Monday 02/22

JJ Watt says pump the break when it comes to picking new team

Everyone is sitting on the edges of their seats, waiting for JJ Watt to pick his new team after demanding his release from the Houston Texans. (Funny how that only works for some people.)

It's been over a week, and "reports" have started to arise of which teams are interested, which teams are not interested, which spots he wants to consider/not consider, which spots would be best for a ring -- we've heard about every single scenario by now. 

Watt says to chill, and in the words of Cher Horowitz -- "You see how picky I am about my shoes, and they only go on my feet."

I scroll through door dash for like an hour before I pick a restaurant man...

You’re gonna have to give me a second to choose a new team and city. https://t.co/eQXD3eNVFJ

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 22, 2021

Watt clearly wants to play for a contender (who doesn't) and my pick for him is still the Buffalo Bills. 

Steelers begin to restructure players' contracts

The Pittsburgh Steelers are beginning to restructure players' contracts to fit under this upcoming season's salary cap, which is expected to be lower than usual. The first one is defensive tackle, Cam Heyward. ​

The #Steelers did a basic conversion restructure on DL Cam Heyward’s contract, source said, and he’ll still make $10.5M this season. But roster bonus and base were converted to a signing bonus and created about $7M in cap room.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 22, 2021

The other looming contract that the Steelers absolutely have to restructure in the coming weeks is quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's, which is abnormally large (over $41 million for a large aging man seems like a stretch to me).

lots of cam newton quotes today

A lot of Cam Newton quotes are floating around today. He has talked about his bout with COVID-19, his time with the Carolina Panthers, and the likeliness of him re-signing with the New England Patriots. Rather than regurgitating all of those quotes separately, they all pretty much come from this I AM ATHLETE video.

Mike tomlin tests positive for covid-19

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin tested positive for COVID-19 as of Monday. There were reports last week of the team closing their facilities and sending staffers home due to positive tests. My guess is Tomlin was one of them. 

#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was diagnosed with COVID-19 & is away from the team facility, sources say. A team spokesman would not confirm the specific case, but did say members of the coaching & personnel staffs were sent home last week after a couple positives came up.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 22, 2021

Obviously, I'm wishing the best for my personal top rival team's leader, as well as one of my favorite coaches in the league.

texans re-sign dontrell hilliard

The Houston Texans are actually bringing someone back instead of  making them run for the hills. The team is re-signing running back Dontrell Hilliard to a one-year deal.

The #Texans are re-signing RB/returner Dontrell Hilliard to a 1-year deal worth $1.25M with $200,000 guaranteed, source said. He was set to be an RFA.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 22, 2021

Hilliard joined the Texans last season after being waived by the Cleveland Browns​.

eagles will release alshon jeffrey

The Philadelphia Eagles are clearly working on getting younger at the wide receiver position this offseason. The team will release WR Alshon Jeffrey closer to the new league year.  They also cut vet receiver Desean Jackson.

The #Eagles will also be releasing Alshon Jeffery when the league year begins, which has been obvious for quite a while. A much younger group for 2021. https://t.co/dxlCwsRBK8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 22, 2021

Jeffrey is 31 and should still be able to garner some interest from a team looking for receiver help or depth. Cough cough BALTIMORE. He fits them perfectly -- older guy, cheap. Match made in heaven.