Today was an action-packed day for the Steelers, but it had absolutely nothing to do with the score at the end of the game. Instead, the major news came off the gridiron, where they decided to cut ties with wide receiver Quez Watkins. That move could have certainly surprised many, but the decision to release WR Quez Watkins by the Pittsburgh Steelers runs deep into their roster and season plans. Losing Quez Watkins, though, also does create some new opportunities.
Steelers Cut Ties with WR Quez Watkins
The man who came to the Steelers with high hopes was a promising deep threat for the Philadelphia Eagles, Quez Watkins. The 26-year-old signed a one-year league minimum deal worth $168,000 in guaranteed money. It was a low-risk, high-reward situation, but things didn’t pan out as hoped. A season in which he averaged 15 yards per catch and totaled 647 yards back in 2021 remained just that, as Watkins struggled to make an impact in his time with the Steelers.
The news of the Pittsburgh Steelers releasing Watkins comes at a pretty significant juncture. This team has been in transition with their receiving corps this offseason, particularly after trading Diontae Johnson away and releasing Allen Robinson. George Pickens is still their best receiver, but it wasn’t clear how the rest of the depth chart would look behind him. Watkins was considered one of several options to take over one of those spots, but he didn’t do enough to make his case.
One would say Watkins’ opportunities were further complicated by his performance in the preseason. During Pittsburgh’s first preseason game, Watkins had a rather unimpressive showing as a punt returner. Strong special teams play would’ve placed him in a position to fight for a roster spot, but it just wasn’t enough. This aspect of his game was so important in the crowding of receivers, where literally every single spot counted.
Other Team Movements and Changes
Now that Watkins has been moved, the Steelers must be asking many more questions about their receiving unit. The club has been mentioned with heavy interest in a potential trade for 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk; however, no major moves have been made. As of right now, the receiving core consists of Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, and rookie Roman Wilson. It remains to be seen how it will round off its roster and if it may want to take another veteran off the market.
In the fluid structure of the NFL, other teams have been moving around as well. It includes the Chiefs signing Creed Humphrey to a record extension for centers and the Rams trading linebacker Ernest Jones to the Titans. The Dallas Cowboys finally got their new deal done for CeeDee Lamb, and the Tennessee Titans are putting the finishing touches on an agreement that will send quarterback Malik Willis to the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, the Browns’ Mike Hall perhaps worked his way onto the Commissioner’s Exempt List, and the Falcons inked cornerback A.J. Terrell to an extension.
Final Thoughts
It will indeed be another storyline for Quez Watkins since he will now hit free agency again to see where his next destination can utilize his skills. The release by the Pittsburgh Steelers is a setback but it does provide another opportunity for a fresh start. Other teams might see potential in him and give him another shot.
The release of Watkins offers a sea change for the Pittsburgh Steelers approach to the receiving game. In a transition outlook the focus shifts to the receiver position regarding the ensuing move made by the franchise. It’s back to the drawing board for Watkins as he scours the league for another team and a new opportunity to revive his career.
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