Report: Pittsburgh Steelers to sign Derek Watt, brother of T.J. Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t made any moves so far in free agency, but that is set to change, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. According to Rapoport, the Steelers are prepared to sign fullback Derek Watt, brother of T.J. Watt.

This is exciting news for black-and-gold faithful, not just because it is the potential first signing of the 2020 league year, but also because it would be another Watt in the organization. The Steelers are no strangers to having family on their sideline, the most notable being the Edmunds brothers, Trey and Terrell, in 2019.

What is interesting about this report is what this means for Roosevelt Nix. Nix, the current fullback on the team, was signed to a new contract just two seasons ago, and was a special teams captain last year. His 2019 season was plagued by injury, and you have to wonder if the Steelers are concerned about the injury long-term.

Fans have been clamoring for the Steelers offense to deploy a fullback more often, and Watt would certainly help fill the bill when it comes to the traditional fullback role within the offense.

While this is just a report, meaning nothing official has come from the Steelers until the new league year starts on the 18th, T.J. Watt welcomed his brother to the organization via Twitter.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on this story, and all stories related to the Pittsburgh Steelers as the new league year kicks off tomorrow, as well as the team preparing for the 2020 NFL Draft in just over a month.

UPDATE:

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler provides some contract details to the deal: