Watts is signing a contract with the Patriots on Wednesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Watts' contract details are unclear, but the 27-year-old will spend the 2024 campaign in New England after playing the 2023 season with the Steelers. The Arkansas product played 260 snaps on defense across 15 contests last season, recording 15 combined tackles, including 0.5 sacks.
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Bears' Armon Watts: Set for free agency
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Watts notched three tackles in the Bears' 29-13 loss to the Vikings in Week 18, and ended the season with 35 tackles and one sack over 17 games played.
Watts played about 30 snaps per game as a backup defensive tackle after coming off a career season in 2021 with the Vikings, when he recorded 46 tackles and five sacks. In his rotational role, he averaged two tackles per game, and he'll likely land a similar role next year. He's now an unrestricted free agent.
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Bears' Armon Watts: Claimed by Bears
Rotowire
Chicago claimed Watts from waivers Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Watts is coming off a 2021 season with Minnesota in which he appeared in 16 games and recorded 46 tackles and five sacks, so it was somewhat surprising when the Vikings opted to waive him Tuesday. He should compete with Justin Jones and Angelo Blackson for regular reps at defensive tackle in 2022.
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Vikings' Armon Watts: Taken in sixth round
Rotowire
The Vikings selected Watts in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 190th overall.
Watts (6-foot-5, 300 pounds) was a three-star recruit out of high school and didn't earn much playing time at Arkansas until his senior season, when he started 11 of 12 games en route to a team-leading seven sacks and three forced fumbles. With more seasoning, it's possible Watts could develop as a solid pass rusher from the interior of the Vikings' defensive line.