A Player The Steelers Lost During Free Agency Expected To Make A Big Impact With Patriots

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a lot of turnover on their roster during the 2024 offseason. This is true for every team, after every season; however there seemed to be more turnover than in years past for the Steelers. The organization did a few rounds of releases, made some trades, and also chose not to bring many players back. Some bigger names have moved on, including Kenny Pickett and Diontae Johnson. While others are more forgotten, like Armon Watts. 

Pittsburgh signed Watts to a one-year contract during the 2023 offseason, and showed some interest in working out a new deal with the defensive lineman after 2023. He went onto to sign a new, one-year contract with the New England Patriots. Watts didn't make much of an impact during his time with the Steelers in 2023, which is expected to change with the Patriots. New England insider, Taylor Kyles, went on The Money Down Podcast and discussed how the team views Watts.

"Kind of a sneaky one, Armon Watts from the Steelers. He's an interesting guy I think you can literally play him all over the defensive line, disruptive, kind of fits what they've been doing recently. I think they want the dual threat guys, where Daniel Ekuale and Jeremiah Pharms, those guys can give you both. I think Armon Watts gives you a little bit of both."

Watts wasn't given a big role in Pittsburgh, but he appeared in 15 games throughout the season. He didn't start once, and recorded just half a sack. Pittsburgh had injuries throughout the defensive line in 2023, with Cameron Heyward missing a large chunk of the season. It could be seen as concerning for New England that Watts couldn't seize an opportunity in Pittsburgh during the 2023 season.

The expectation for Watts going into the 2023 season was for him to be able contribute more than he did, but he wound up being a healthy scratch for a pair of games. Watts managed to record just 15 tackles, 3 quarterback hits, and half a sack in his time wearing the black and gold. It seemed like an easy decision for Watts to move on from Pittsburgh after his contract expired following the 2023 season. 

In New England, Watts is currently a second-string defensive end and he should be given more of an opportunity to perform. He is one of the Patriots most experienced reserves going into 2024, which might set him up nicely to make a major impact within their defense. He needs a bounce back year, as his career seems to be in the balance. 

Steelers Inject New Blood Into Defensive Line For 2024

The Steelers didn't want to bring Watts back, but the organization found a pair of replacements for him through free agency and the NFL Draft. Pittsburgh selected Logan Lee in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he should make the roster as a reserve along the defensive line. Lee was a three-year starter while at Iowa, and recorded over 150 tackles and 9 sacks throughout his career. Lee will be a backup, but with the future of Heyward up in the air, he could become a mainstay on defense for years to come.

Pittsburgh was also active during free agency, as they signed Dean Lowry. Lowry spent the 2023 season with the Minnesota Vikings after spending the first seven years of his career with the Green Bay Packers. He is an experienced veteran who will be a stable backup whenever he is needed. He started for the majority of six seasons while he was in Green Bay, and could provide valuable veteran leadership to Lee and the rest of the young players on the defensive line.

Both Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi have concerning injury history, especially in recent years. Lee and Lowry should be able to step in and contribute if they are called upon.

What do you think about the expectations for Watts in New England? Let us know in the comments below!

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