Derek Watt RB FA Tue 3/12/24 11:33 AM
Derek Watt
RB FA
Watt announced Tuesday via his personal Instagram account that he has retired from professional football.
EDGE Analysis
Watt last suited up for Pittsburgh in 2022, and he served as the Steelers' top fullback for three seasons after beginning his career in 2016 with the Chargers, who drafted him in the sixth round. With the 31-year-old now hanging up the cleats, Pittsburgh star pass rusher T.J. Watt (knee) is the last of three Watt brothers remaining in the NFL, with J.J. Watt having retired after the 2022 season.
Derek Watt RB FA Mon 1/9/23 1:47 PM
Derek Watt
RB FA
Watt rushed once for one yard and a touchdown during the Steelers' 28-14 win over Cleveland on Monday.
EDGE Analysis
Watt was on the field for just six offensive snaps Monday, but he scored a rushing touchdown for the first time this season to help lead the Steelers to the win. He rushed nine times for 21 yards and a touchdown while securing all five of his targets for 11 yards and another score this season. The 30-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason after spending the last three seasons in Pittsburgh.
Derek Watt RB FA Wed 11/30/22 1:09 PM
Derek Watt
RB FA
Watt carried once for four yards and recorded a one-yard reception in Monday's 24-17 win over the Colts.
EDGE Analysis
The veteran fullback played only five snaps on offense in the win and has yet to see his snap share climb above 10 percent in any of his 11 appearances on the season. He's thus far carried four times for eight yards while adding four receptions for eight yards and a touchdown on four targets.
Derek Watt RB FA Mon 1/10/22 11:33 AM
Derek Watt
RB FA
Watt recorded one carry for one yard while securing all three of his targets for 15 yards during the 2021 regular season.
EDGE Analysis
Watt was held without a touch during his first season with the Steelers in 2020, and he played primarily on special teams during the 2021 campaign. Najee Harris established himself as the Steelers' top backfield contributor during his rookie season, so Watt is unlikely to play a significant offensive role in 2022.
Derek Watt RB FA Wed 3/10/21 2:19 PM 1 Comment
Derek Watt
RB FA
Watt has agreed to restructure his contract with the Steelers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Networkreports.
EDGE Analysis
Watt's restructured deal will free up $880,000 in cap space for Pittsburgh, likely by converting some of his base salary into a signing bonus. Though he didn't handle any carries during his inaugural campaign with the Steelers last season, Watt did play an integral role as a run blocker and special-teams contributor when healthy.
Derek Watt RB FA Wed 12/23/20 8:44 PM
Derek Watt
RB FA
Watt (concussion) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Watt entered the league's five-step concussion protocol after a scary incident during Monday's loss to the Bengals. He's apparently made a quick recovery, working at full speed in practice to start the week, and he'll be in the lineup for the Week 16 matchup against the Colts.
Derek Watt RB FA Mon 12/21/20 10:14 PM
Derek Watt
RB FA
Watt (concussion) has been ruled out for remainder of Monday's contest against the Bengals, Burt Lauten of the Steelers' official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
It was a scary moment early in Monday's contest as Watt's helmet collided with Alex Erickson's knee, leaving Watt motionless on the field for several minutes. He was eventually able to walk off the field with some assistance. He'll now likely enter the league's concussion protocol testing, leaving his status for next Sunday's matchup with the Colts in question.
Derek Watt RB FA Mon 12/21/20 8:28 PM
Derek Watt
RB FA
Watt is being evaluated for a concussion and is considered questionable to return to Monday's game against the Bengals, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Watt took a scary knee to the helmet on the game's first punt early in the first quarter. While he was able exit under his own power, he was noticeably woozy. Should he ultimately get ruled out, his absence will primarily be felt on special teams.
Derek Watt RB FA Wed 10/28/20 8:56 PM
Derek Watt
RB FA
Watt (hamstring) was a full practice participant Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
Watt was unavailable for Sunday's win over the Titans due to the hamstring injury, but he's back at practice Wednesday with no limitations. The 27-year-old has played only 25 offensive snaps in his four appearances this season.
Derek Watt RB FA Fri 10/23/20 1:56 PM
Derek Watt
RB FA
Watt (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
EDGE Analysis
Watt has been unable to practice this week due to the hamstring issue and won't be available for Week 7. The 27-year-old missed Week 5 due to the injury but was back for last week's win over the Browns, though he apparently never fully recovered.