The Pittsburgh Steelers already have cornered the market on Edmunds brothers, and they apparently are bringing a second Watt into the fold.
The Steelers will sign fullback Derek Watt, brother of the Steelers’ T.J. and Houston’s J.J., to a three-year, $9.75 million contract when free agency begins Wednesday at 4 p.m, according to reports by ESPN and NFL Network.
T.J. Watt hailed the news on his verified Twitter account, writing, “LETS GOOOOO!!!!!!!! Welcome to #SteelersNation !!!!!!!! @DerekWatt34”
LETS GOOOOO!!!!!!!! Welcome to #SteelersNation !!!!!!!! @DerekWatt34 https://t.co/5cL1i9QJzG
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) March 17, 2020
The Steelers already employ safety Terrell Edmunds and running back Trey.
In another move, the Steelers re-signed long snapper Kameron Canaday to a two-year contract, NFL Network reported.
Derek Watt, 27, spent the first four years of his NFL career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. In addition to playing fullback, he was a valued special teams player and could replace Tyler Matakevich in that role with the Steelers. Matakevich’s two-year, $9 million deal with the Buffalo Bills will become official Wednesday.
Watt never has missed a game to injury, appearing in 64 games and starting 13 in his career. He has 19 career rushing attempts for 49 yards and one touchdown. He also has caught 10 passes for 152 yards and no scores.
Well this is very unfortunate in regards to the race for “favorite uncle” for Derek’s son Logan...
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 17, 2020
Also seems to put me at a severe disadvantage in the “Mom & Dad’s favorite team” category.
But damn is it awesome for Derek & TJ. Could not be happier for them and for Pittsburgh. https://t.co/zbDOsj8IPz
The addition of Watt could spell the end of fullback Roosevelt Nix’s tenure with the Steelers. Voted a special teams captain last season, Nix was limited to three games and finished the year on injured reserve with a knee injury.
Nix has two years remaining on his contract and carries a $1,887,500 cap hit for 2020.
Canaday has served as the Steelers long snapper the past three seasons.
