Former DT from the Pittsburgh Steelers signs with the New York Giants
The New York Giants have made a key addition to their defensive line by signing former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Armon Watts. The signing comes at a pivotal moment for the Giants, who are looking to improve their defensive front amid a season riddled with injuries and inconsistent performances. Watts, a 6-foot-5, 307-pound lineman, brings versatility and valuable experience to the Giants as they aim to bolster their depth on defense.
Watts, originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, spent the early part of his career in Minnesota, where he developed into a solid rotational player. Known for his ability to stop the run and generate interior pressure, Watts showcased his skills by recording 5 sacks and 46 tackles during the 2021 season, his most productive year with the Vikings. After a brief stint with the Chicago Bears, Watts joined the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2023 season but was released earlier this year, leading to his availability for the Giants.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll expressed optimism about the signing, highlighting Watts’ ability to make an immediate impact. “Armon is a guy we’ve been watching for a while. He brings the type of physicality and work ethic that we value, and we think he can help us right away,” Daboll said during a press conference. “He’s shown he can disrupt the pocket and help against the run, which is something we need to get better at.”
The Giants have faced several challenges on defense this season, particularly with injuries to key players along the defensive line. Watts’ signing addresses a need for more depth and rotational talent, especially with games against run-heavy opponents looming. With players like Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence already anchoring the line, Watts is expected to play a supporting role that could help take some pressure off the starters and keep the line fresh throughout games.
For Watts, the move to New York represents an opportunity to re-establish himself as a key contributor in the NFL. At 27 years old, he still has plenty of football left to play, and the Giants are betting on his ability to be a productive addition to their defensive front. With his combination of size, strength, and experience, Watts is poised to help the Giants improve their defense as they push for a competitive season in the NFC East.
As the Giants look to rebound from a slow start, Armon Watts’ addition could prove to be a smart move that helps stabilize their defensive line and improve their overall defensive performance. Fans will be eager to see how Watts fits into the lineup and whether he can help the Giants make a push in the second half of the season.