GM Kevin Colbert discusses offseason additions to Steelers roster

Taking a respite from evaluating college prospects as the NFL Draft approaches in three weeks, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert provided insight Tuesday about some known commodities that recently joined the team’s roster.

In a conference call with reporters, which followed a similar session he conducted with fans, Colbert spoke publicly about four of the veteran players he acquired since the NFL calendar year began March 18.

Colbert signed three free agents — tight end Eric Ebron, guard/center Stefen Wisniewski and fullback Derek Watt — in addition to trading for Baltimore Ravens defensive end Chris Wormley.

The most expensive contract, a two-year, $12 million deal, went to Ebron, a former Pro Bowl player with the Indianapolis Colts.

After catching 66 passes for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns in his breakout 2018 season, Ebron finished last season on injured reserve while catching just 31 passes for 375 yards and three scores in 11 games.

Colbert was familiar with Ebron since his college days at North Carolina. Ebron went No. 10 overall to the Detroit Lions in the 2014 draft. Five picks later, the Steelers took inside linebacker Ryan Shazier.

“We knew we had no chance of drafting him,” Colbert said.

Colbert, though, added the 253-pound tight end to pair with veteran Vance McDonald, citing Ebron’s “definite athleticism, red zone production and ability to run after the catch.”

“He’s a premier type of receiving tight end in this league when he’s healthy,” Colbert said. “It’s hard to predict that, but when he’s healthy, he’s a solid contributor and he gives us another weapon in the passing game, for sure.”

Colbert made a rare intra-division swap with the Ravens, acquiring the 300-pound Wormley, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Although the Steelers lost nose tackle Javon Hargrave to free agency, Wormley apparently isn’t being groomed as a replacement.

Colbert said Wormley likely will be used at defensive tackle when the Steelers play in subpackages, which they do on about 75% of snaps. Wormley will play defensive end when he rotates into the base defense.

“Chris will be able to give us (help) along the line in subpackages,” Colbert said. “He’ll be able to provide us play from the inside. In base, my assumption is he’ll still be used as a defensive end, but if we have two defensive tackles on the field, he would be one of those in subpackages.”

Wisniewski, who played at Central Catholic and Penn State, agreed to a two-year contract after guard Ramon Foster retired and backup B.J. Finney signed with the Seattle Seahawks. If Wisniewski starts at guard, Matt Feiler could remain at right tackle. If Feiler is moved to guard, Wisniewski will be the top interior backup.

“We feel comfortable knowing we have options at more than one position,” Colbert said. “Stefen can play center, Matt gives us that guard/tackle combination.”

Colbert’s first signing of the offseason was giving Watt, older brother of T.J. Watt, a three-year, $9.75 million contract. Derek Watt played fullback and special teams for four seasons with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers.

“When we picked up Derek Watt, we understood his role would be as a fullback, as an H-back, similar to what he played offensively for the Chargers,” Colbert said. “What intrigued us was his production on special teams. He was one of the leading tacklers, if not the leading tackler, in the AFC. He was a Pro Bowl special teams player. We’re excited about having that on our team.”