We’ve written a novel about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ soon-to-be free agents over the last few weeks. But one of the players we’ve talked about the fewest, a total afterthought, has been fullback Will Johnson. Matthew Marczi might have produced the only articles on him in the last month. Anywhere.
But the Steelers are still interested in bringing him back, according to a tweet sent out by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Johnson lost out on offensive playing time almost entirely last year with the emergence of Roosevelt Nix, who was used as the team’s lead blocker in heavy personnel. But Johnson served on the kick return and punt coverage units, totaling 219 snaps on special teams.
It was rare enough for the team to carry two fullbacks for an entire season, let alone to think about it for another, but Johnson can at least compete in camp and give the team quality snaps wherever he’s needed. With Heath Miller retiring and the team having only two experienced tight ends on the roster, it serves as extra motivation to bring in Johnson, who primarily lined up there when he did log time on offense.
If he returns, expect it to be for near the minimum without any guarantee of making the roster.
