REPORT - Steelers Not Discussing New Contract with Fullback Derek Watt At This Point

The Pittsburgh Steelers sure do love to have sets of brothers on the team and the Watt brothers are probably the most notable ones in recent memory. But as we head into the 2023 season, is Derek Watt in danger of losing his spot on the team? 

Derek is the middle of the three Watt brothers, JJ is the oldest and phenom edge rusher TJ is the youngest. All three brothers attended and played football for the University of Wisconsin. During his time there Derek helped star running back Melvin Gordon rack up a record-breaking season. Watt was drafted by the Chargers, where he got a chance to play with Gordon again, in the sixth round of the 2016 draft. He was widely considered the second-best fullback coming out that year, mostly due to his blocking abilities. 

After his rookie contract ended he became a free agent and signed a three-year $9.75 million deal with the Steelers, allowing him to play with brother TJ. While the nearly $10 million contract isn't earth-shattering in terms of normal NFL money, it is a lot for a fullback. While initially excited about the family connection, fans started to become disillusioned when Watt hardly saw the field and when he did there wasn't much impact. It wasn't a secret that his main role would be special teams and on some unique packages but for a while, he felt like little more than a warm body.

The highlight of Watt's time in the black and gold came against the Cleveland Browns in Week 18 of the 2022 season. The Steelers were hoping to grab a playoff wildcard spot and needed to win to even have a chance (it wasn't enough, they needed losses that didn't happen). 

Quarterback Kenny Pickett led the team with a 14-play, 75-yard drive culminated with a fullback draw by Watt. The offense was on Brown's one-yard line, Pickett snapped the ball, and running back Najee Harris and tight end Connor Heyward motioned left. This allowed Pickett to hand the ball off to Watt who was able to launch himself into the end zone behind some textbook blocking. This was Watt's second touchdown of the season and the third of his career.

Watt Are The Odds The Steelers Re-Sign Derek For 2023? 

Now fans are beginning to wonder what is going to happen with Watt next season. 

Watt's contract has ended and he is once again a free agent. There haven't been a bunch of NFL teams beating down the door to take the 30-year-old fullback. it makes one wonder how motivated the Steelers are to keep him. When Derek was originally signed there were rumors he was only brought on board to help sweeten the pot for negotiations with TJ. But, even if true, now that TJ has been signed to a ginormous contract that runs through 2025, it doesn't feel like Derek is a determining factor any longer. 

Pittsburgh Post Gazette reporter and Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo mentions Watt and his contract in his latest chat. A reader wrote in to inquire about Watt. 

"Ray, any word on the younger Watt being re-signed [sic] before the draft?"

Fittipaldo confirmed what fans were already assuming.

"TJ Watt is the youngest of the family. Derek Watt is the middle child and no there has been no movement on re-signing him to this point in the offseason."

The Steelers haven't given so much as a hint of what they plan to do with Derek. Will they simply just let him go? It feels highly probable that they just move on from him and as they look to utilize tight end, Heyward, even more. The Steelers also re-signed tight end Zach Gentry who has proven himself to be a capable blocker as well. There doesn't seem to be much need for Watt.  

What do you think about Derek Watt? Would you want the Steelers to re-sign him? How much value do you think he brought to the team? Was that worth roughly $3 million a year? How do you think the team will look to fill the hole left by his absence? Or is there even a hole? Tell us how you feel, click to comment below. 

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