Steelers News: Brett Keisel tries his best to lure J.J. Watt to the Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 season is officially over. After finishing the year 8-8, the Steelers, and their vast fan base, has another long offseason awaiting them. Just because the games are done doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how a former Steelers defensive lineman did his part to try and get all three Watt brothers on the Steelers roster.

Let’s get to the news:

• J.J. Watt to the Steelers? Brett Keisel tried his best...

Brett Keisel, fans coax J.J. Watt to Steelers so he can join his brothers

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

On Tuesday, word leaked that the Steelers are set to sign former Los Angeles Chargers fullback Derek Watt.

He is the older brother of Steelers Pro Bowl linebacker T.J. Watt and the younger brother of Houston Texans star defensive lineman J.J. Watt.

Most fullbacks don’t exactly get a ton of snaps outside of pure running situations and on special teams. Meanwhile T.J. and J.J. are renowned as two of the best defensive players in the league.

But T.J. is still on his rookie contract. So, despite his All-Pro status, he’ll only make $1.72 million in 2020. Derek is going to make an average of $3.25 million over his three-year deal.

This fact was not ignored by his younger brother.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• The Steelers were smart to place the franchise tag on Bud Dupree.

Mark Madden: Steelers were smart to tag Bud Dupree, wait on long-term deal

By: Mark Madden, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

If you had any doubt the NFL is God’s chosen league, consider it’s the only one of America’s big-time sports loops to not have its timeline significantly impacted by covid-19. (Yet.)

But, as Liverpool FC supporters know, this is not a just and fair God.

So, let me present refreshing football notes. Get ‘em while they’re hot (they’re always hot)…and while you can.

• Franchising Bud Dupree was the obvious move for the Steelers. Top-level pass rushers rarely get on the market, and Dupree is one of those…well, was, for one season out of five anyway, which is why not signing him long-term is wise. Will Dupree play hard to earn big money beyond 2020, or will he have the boo-boo face because he was tagged?

• Losing nose tackle Javon Hargrave will hurt, but how much is the base defense on the field? If Stephon Tuitt stays healthy, he fills the gap beyond using the base.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Not all of the Steelers free agent acquisitions have been flops.

Free agents who made a difference

By: Teresa Varley, Steelers.com

Free agency began in 1993, and while the Steelers have never been a team to rush to sign players right out of the gate, they definitely have found their share who have contributed to the success of the organization, including several who helped bring a few more Lombardi Trophies to Pittsburgh.

So, with free agency officially beginning today at 4 p.m., it’s time to take a look at some of the key free agent signings in Steelers history.

(Listed in alphabetical order)

Ryan Clark – Free Safety

The departure of one often opens the door for another and that is what happened with the signing of Ryan Clark. Chris Hope departed after the 2005 season with a Super Bowl ring, and Clark was signed to take his spot at free safety in 2006.

Clark, who was an undrafted rookie in 2002 when he signed with the New York Giants, went on to start for the Washington Redskins in 2004-05, before signing with the Steelers. Once in Pittsburgh and teamed with strong safety Troy Polamalu his career flourished, finishing his career in Pittsburgh with 12 interceptions, six fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, and two sacks.

James Farrior – Inside Linebacker

Farrior played 10 seasons for the Steelers after signing as a free agent in 2001 from the New York Jets. The Jets former No. 1 draft pick played in 154 games in Pittsburgh, with 30 sacks and 1,078 tackles.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• BTSC articles you may have missed...

Two Steelers Restricted Free Agents (RFAs) got 2nd round tenders

Bye bye to B.J. Finney

Zach Banner will be back on a one-year “show me” deal

Steelers welcome another Watt to the team, this time Derek Watt

• Social Media Madness