The Pittsburgh Steelers will go for rookie T.J. Watt as a starting right outside linebacker instead of veteran James Harrison, who recently signed a two-year, $3.5 million deal with the team in the offseason. The move, first reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, came as no surprise since the Steelers have been developing Watt as a starter since training camp, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. “He's been in that position really since Day 0," said Tomlin, adding that he didn’t put his decision on paper because he wanted Watt to earn his spot. The Steelers selected Watt as the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
In four preseason games, he tallied 11 tackles, two sacks and one pass deflection. Watt, the younger brother of Houston Texans’ J.J. Watt, and third-year linebacker Bud Dupree will serve as the Steelers’ primary pass rushers with 39-year-old veteran Harrison backing them up. Pittsburgh also has Arthur Moats and Anthony Chickillo as reserves.
Redskins sign rusher Chris Thompson to extension
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, the Washington Redskins have signed young running back Chris Thompson to a two-year contract with $6.5 million in guaranteed money. The new deal will keep Thompson in Washington through the 2019 season. In 16 games last season, Thompson tallied more than 700 yards in total offense – 356 ground yards and 349 receiving yards – and five touchdowns.
A fifth-round pick by the Redskins in 2013, he has emerged as a favorite of coach Jay Gruden due to his versatility. “The thought of him not being around scares the heck out of me,” said Gruden. Aside from being an effective rusher, Thompson has given quarterback Kirk Cousins another target with his catching ability. In his four years with the Redskins, Thompson tallied 584 yards and three touchdowns on 106 carries, and caught 90 passes for 616 yards and five scores.
Wideout Jeremy Kerley to visit Jets
After he was released by the San Francisco 49ers, free-agent wide receiver Jeremy Kerley will visit his former team, the New York Jets, according to Rapoport. The 49ers cut Kerley six months after they gave him a fresh three-year contract extension. The Jets are shallow at receiver with Jermaine Kearse, Robby Anderson and rookie slot man ArDarius Stewart. Kerley played his first five NFL seasons with the Jets before joining the 49ers last season. In 16 games last season, Kerley caught 64 passes for 667 yards and three touchdowns.
