Steeler sign Chargers FB, not a Watt

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2023/09/02/derek-watt-zander-horvath-tanner-muse-fullback-sign/

I'm not sure what they plan on doing with a FB, like majority of teams, FB seldom used anymore. Not sure why they are bothering. Anyone know?

 

PS guy with good special team cred. Never hurts to have depth. Conner goes down you can put either a te in, or this guy..or both with other movements.

 

Well i'm sure Derek Watts agent wants a bit more and not to be placed on the practice squad. He fleeced the Steelers but they signed him to that ridiculous contract.


How much money do NFL Practice Squad Players make annually?

The minimum weekly wage for players with two or fewer NFL seasons is $11,500, or $207,000 for an 18-week stint on the practice squad. When a player is on full-time pay status for at least six regular-season games, they have accrued a season.

Players that have two or more seasons in their resume are paid a minimum of $15,400 per week or $277,200 annually, and a maximum of $19,900 per week or $358,200 annually. For instance, a rookie on an active team this season will make a minimum of $705,000.

Players on the practice squad may earn more than those minimal wages, and their pay does go toward a team's salary cap.

 

Yea, not quite the $3.5 mill Watt was making to do virtually nothing as a Steeler, and Tomlin dopefully went along with it. If you aren't offering much productivity you shouldn't be paid like you are, thank you Kahn for bringing sense to the picture. No thank you Colbert for going along with the madness.

 

Someone needs to simulate the Ravens 300 lb fullback in practice. With Green gone, Zander is that man. Also, 49ers have a dynamic FB that Zander is better suited to run as scout.

 

I'm not sure a 230 LB man does that but OK.

 

Well you have to simulate the athleticism. I edited it to include Juszczyk

 

good thinking

 

So, only added for practice against opponents who use a FB? OK.

 

I didn't say only. You did. I was only offering a plausible answer to your question. 4 out 5 of first opponents on the schedule have a FB

Per Google: Players on the practice squad are often called the "scout team" because they play the role of the upcoming opponent during practices. This helps the team prepare for the week ahead.

 

It was the only reason you gave for adding him to roster, was it not?

 

I can't remember who or what show, but after last year's season they were talking on a radio show about PS guys, signing reserve futures, going to the XFL or USFL. Just general BS in a slow time of the year, one guy had been a PS player and mentioned the scout team aspect, but said you may be from one position, but they use you where needed. So a RB might line up as a DL. It's not like they get brutalized, but hitting does occur, his point being PS guys can take a beating and it's not always in their best interests to play spring ball is they can or are attached to a team already.

 

Still music to my ears.

 

Still kind of odd, like the team doesn't know if it needs a FB or not. Tried a failed OG at the position as well. It's like, are you or aren't you gonna use a FB?

 

I don't think it's odd. They have Conner to fill that need when it arises, the % of snaps Watt was used outside of sp teams was quite low. So the evaluation is do we need to use 2 men for different roster positions, when we have one man that can do both. The problem then is finding a guy like Conner to be back up, not easy, that is why you find a FB on PS. As for Green playing FB, pre season is when you try those gadgets. If they felt he was good enough to keep as a b/u OL, then you also have him for those instances for FB, obviously they felt he was not in their plans for either so made a trade.

 

A real head scratched here.

 

I still say Najee would benefit greatly running behind a FB.

Watching the 49ers play, you will see a team that uses a FB in about 50% of their offensive plays.