Derek Watt waiting for another chance to expand role of fullback in Steelers offense

As the Pittsburgh Steelers try to improve a running game that has ranked no higher than No. 29 in rushing yards over the past four seasons, they have committed to several changes.

They switched offensive coordinators after the 2020 season. They used a first-round pick on Najee Harris in 2021, then put him behind a young, unproven offensive line. They will adjust to a new quarterback taking the snaps this season following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger.

One thing that hasn’t changed has been a commitment — or lack thereof — to the fullback. It didn’t happen before Derek Watt arrived in 2020, and the position has rarely factored into the offensive game plan during his two seasons.

Perhaps that will change this year with Matt Canada in his second season calling the plays, Harris running behind a line that added veteran interior pieces in the offseason and a younger, more mobile quarterback taking snaps.

Watt is interested to see how it plays out.

“It’s early and we’re still putting the offense in. There’s definitely opportunity,” Watt said last week at organized team activities. “There is a good amount of carryover from the previous two years, but definitely there is new stuff going in — terminology and schemes. We haven’t put a lot of the run game in because we’re in helmets and T-shirts. There’s a lot of stuff that still has to go in, and we’ll see how it evolves going into training camp.”

In today’s NFL, fullbacks tend to get on the field less frequently than punters. Still, Watt’s playing time at fullback in his two years with the Steelers has paled in comparison to his workload in four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Watt, 29 never played fewer than 12% of the offensive snaps in those four seasons. With the Steelers, he has taken the field for 6% and 7% of the plays, respectively. His playing time on offense, though, did tick up slightly last year in Canada’s first season as coordinator. Watt logged 86 plays compared to 52 the previous year. He also got his first carry and caught all three targets for 15 yards.

“It’s not up to me when I get on the field, but when I do, it’s what I do with that opportunity,” Watt said. “Whatever those opportunities are, I have to take advantage and make the most of them.”

Watt would like nothing more than to block more often for Harris, who added muscle in the offseason and reported to OTAs weighing 244 pounds. Without the benefit of a fullback getting consistent playing time, Harris rushed for 1,200 yards as a rookie while playing for an offense that passed the ball more frequently than all but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.

“Blocking for him, he can definitely make you look good,” Watt said. “I always love blocking for him. … He makes a lot of things look good. He’s a great running back. To be out there, to be able to lead the way for him, is big.”

Watt continues to carve a role as a core special teams player. On those units, he led all Steelers players with 11 tackles last year, including nine solo — a reflection on being named special teams captain before the season.

“I didn’t take it for granted,” Watt said. “I had a great year with that title and, moving forward, we’ll see if the same thing happens this year. Either way, I’m going to treat it like I do every year — go out and put my best foot forward, whether it’s leading by title or leading by example and trying to help the young guys come along.”

One of those young guys is someone who could be competing for Watt’s roster spot in training camp. The Steelers used their sixth-round pick on Michigan State’s Connor Heyward, a former fullback who transitioned to tight end as a senior.

Heyward, though, has worked out exclusively with the tight ends during OTAs.

“If they have a change of plans going forward or want to see me do the other things, which I know they want me to do, I will be happy to do them as well,” Heyward said.

Heyward would present a less expensive, albeit less experienced, option at fullback. The final season of Watt’s contract counts $4.7 million against the salary cap, the eighth-highest allotment on the roster. The Steelers could save $2.75 million if he is cut.

Heyward also is third member of a brother tandem, including Watt and Trey Edmunds, on the roster that can play the position.

“It’s the comparison, he’s the younger guy coming in to take my role. It’s not what it is,” Watt said. “He’s a great kid. He brings a lot to the table, and he’s with the tight ends. He’s trying to find a role in this offense for himself. I’m trying to expand my role. We’ll see what happens.”