The 2024 season left the Cincinnati Bengals contemplating the “what if” scenarios that could have changed their fortunes. What if the defense had performed better? What if they had won those close games? What if they had made the playoffs? While these questions linger, the focus now shifts to the upcoming season and making the necessary adjustments.
Observing the Bengals play last season, it was clear that changes were needed on the defensive front. Bringing in a three-time Defensive Player of the Year could provide a much-needed lift for the defense heading into the 2025 season.
In recent NFL news, the retirement of J.J. Watt in 2022 marked the end of a remarkable career. Watt’s legacy includes multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, numerous All-Pro selections, and consistent Pro Bowl appearances. Since retiring, Watt has ventured into team ownership, acquiring a stake in Burnley Football Club, a soccer team in England.
A playful exchange between Watt and Burnley’s goalkeeper, James Trafford, has sparked rumors linking Watt to the Bengals. Trafford challenged Watt to join Cincinnati if he could maintain a clean sheet for the remainder of the season. Remarkably, Trafford has kept his goal untarnished for nine consecutive games, prompting Watt to humorously consider the possibility of donning the Bengals’ colors for the next season.
With 15 matches left in Burnley’s season, the outcome of Trafford’s goalkeeping prowess could potentially lead to Watt joining forces with Joe Burrow and the Bengals. Stay tuned to see if this lighthearted wager turns into a reality.
