Good Wednesday to you Steelers’ fans.
Let’s get to the human interest part of this first. Yes, I think it’s pretty cool that T.J. Watt gets to play with his brother Derek now. Considering that Houston makes some of the worst deals in the NFL I suggested this via Twitter last evening.
Did NOT see Derek Watt coming to Pittsburgh. Perhaps we can get J.J. for a couple of IC Lights and a @primantibros sandwich. Never know with Houston…
— Steel Dad (@SteelDad) March 17, 2020
The football side of it is a little more confusing at least while I write this. I have to believe the Steelers are concerned about the overall health of Roosevelt Nix who missed more than half the season in 2019. Watt will also help replace the loss of Tyler Matakevich who signed with Buffalo this week. My biggest question here is the amount and the intention. He will sign later today a three-year deal worth $9.75 million making him one of the highest paid fullbacks in the NFL. I would expect to see Nix released at some point today as well. This signing, at that amount, tells me that the Steelers plan to use the fullback more than in previous seasons. What exactly that looks like I don’t know but I’m not envisioning a 100% return to the I-formation and don’t rule out some tight end action for Watt as well. This is going to be fascinating moving forward.
Tweet of the Day… Make that two of us.
Show me where the simpsons predicted Brady would play in front of a pirate ship every other Sunday and I will believe.
— chris long (@JOEL9ONE) March 18, 2020
Other Steelers’ Notes
I was disappointed to see B.J. Finney sign with Seattle. Personally I thought he deserved better at left guard where the team was 11-2 when he started. The two-year $8 million deal with the Seahawks was not out of the Steelers’ range so clearly they were ready to move on. I believe they’ll look to get more versatility as Finney was not a solid backup center… Zach Banner is playing for less than he could have made in 2020 and is betting on himself. He will now battle Chuks Okorafor for the right tackle spot (assuming Matt Feiler goes down to LG) and this will be a major thing to watch in Camp… The Steelers also placed a second round tender on Mike Hilton making it very likely he stays with the Steelers.
Happy New League Year!
Today at 4pm Eastern the 2020 NFL League year officially begins. All teams must be ‘salary cap compliant’ and the Steelers will. They have spent the last several days restructuring contracts so they will be just fine. Obviously hanging over all of us is the Covid-19 situation. As more and more sporting events get pushed back I am to the point where I’m concerned about mini-camps and OTAs in general.
Have a great day Steeler Nation!
QH is presented by
If you haven’t paid attn to the Watt’s… Super competitive family… They push each others buttons… Look for for each of them to drive each other to greater heights…. gonna be be a blast to watch!!