Steelers free agent FB Will Johnson signs with New York Giants
By: Simon A Chester
With Roosevelt Nix taking over the fullback duties for the Steelers last season, Will Johnson saw quite a drop in snaps, playing as a back up tight end and special teamer almost exclusively .
It was no surprise the Steelers did not rush to sign him before the free agent market opened, especially with Nix under contract, but finally it appears the free agent has found a new team, according to Steelers.com reporter Bob Labriola:
Johnson was something of a favorite among SteelerNation and many will be sad to see him go. Not only was Johnson a good teammate but a hard worker, one that many fans could identify with.
The Giants have found themselves an underrated player, who could thrive in the right system as a lead blocker and occasional short yardage back.
Although Johnson went undrafted in 2011, he spent the year training hoping for a chance. While attending the West Virginia Pro Day in 2012, Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert noticed him and he was signed at once.
While the fullback was beginning to see less of a role in the Steelers offense, Johnson became something of a utility player, contributing on special teams and as a back up tight end as well being the starting fullback. He saw action in every game of his first free years in the league with the team.
Going into 2015 Johnson was a restricted free agent and the Steelers tendered him at a rate of $1.542 million, to make sure he stayed in Pittsburgh
As training camp progressed last year, new signing Nix emerged and Johnson saw himself relegated to a backup role, his snaps on offense in particular diminished. It was not a sign of a lack of quality in Johnson’s play, but more about the improved performance of Nix comparatively.
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http://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2016/04/04/will-johnson-signs-with-new-york-giants/
