'Wanted Me More!' Why DL Armon Watts Signed with New England Patriots

Tasked with deciding between a return to the Pittsburgh Steelers and joining several others, defensive lineman Armon Watts chose the 4-13 New England Patriots. Here's why.

Oct 10, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Armon Watts (96) warms up. / Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

Much of the focus of the New England Patriots' offseason has been on who the team selects at No. 3 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft - but new head coach Jerod Mayo and staff didn't overlook free agency.

Led by Mayo and director of scouting Eliot Wolf, New England signed several veteran pieces - including defensive lineman Armon Watts, who spent the first three seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers for the last two.

The 27-year-old Watts has been with three organizations in as many years. He decided to make it four this spring, signing with the Patriots on a one-year contract with a cap hit of $2.16 million, according to OverTheCap.

Watts had a chance to stay in Pittsburgh, where he made 15 tackles and 0.5 sacks across 15 games with no starts. The Steelers showed some interest in retaining Watts, but New England made a strong push early - and left a lasting impression that ultimately sealed his decision.

"I felt New England wanted me more," Watts said. "It’s a good organization. The record wasn’t really a deal-breaker for me, because I know this is a great defense and what those guys do. I know they have great coaches.

"I know Coach Mayo is going to bring something different to the organization, and that’s kind of what stood out to me."

Oct 10, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Armon Watts (96) warms up. / Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots went 4-13 last year, their worst mark since going 2-14 in 1992 - but Watts believes he can be a part of the solution.

At 6-5, 307 pounds, Watts provides New England with a big body on its defensive front, and he arrives with considerable scheme versatility. He played in a 4-3 scheme in Minnesota and 3-4 in Pittsburgh while serving in a variety of roles.

"I’ve pretty much been familiar with a lot of systems," Watts said. "I’ve played anywhere from the zero to the five. I think that’s one thing that’s benefited me with my body type and what I’ve been able to do versus the pass and stuff like that."

Watts has played alongside several high-caliber defensive lineman throughout his five professional campaigns. He singled out Linval Joseph, Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen in Minnesota and T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward and Alex Highsmith in Pittsburgh.

Through their tutelage, Watts said he improved his footwork and learned how to defeat certain blocks.

Such lessons led to a campaign in which he feels he was more efficient and defended the run well, all the while proving scheme and position flexible and giving Pittsburgh some pass rush productivity.

The St. Louis native feels between the progress that's been made and his fit in New England, his arrow is still point up and to the right.

"Just being able to plug me in down the line," Watts said. "I’ve had some success with rushing the passer, and I think some guys and some coaches here are going to help me take that to the next level, given this opportunity."

And while the Patriots' offseason will ultimately be dictated by who Mayo, Wolf and company land to start under center, building a foundation will be similar crucial for the regime's long-term success.

Watts is bought in - and believes he's primed for a breakthrough in Foxboro.

"I think I’m at that point in my career where everything’s coming together and I’m starting to reap the benefits of it," Watts said. "I’m excited to see how the Patriots take my game to another level."