Steelers Cut Ties with Veteran Wide Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran wide receiver Quez Watkins before Tuesday's 4 p.m. cut-down deadline.

Alan Saunders |

Updated: Aug 27, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Quez Watkins — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins at training camp on July 30, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers are releasing wide receiver Quez Watkins, according to a report by Matt Lombardo of Heavy on Sports.

Watkins started the offseason as the fourth wide receiver on the Steelers’ depth chart, behind George Pickens, Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III. As the spring and summer went on, he lost playing the to both rookie Roman Wilson and special teamer Scotty Miller.

The Steelers tried Watkins on special teams, but his one stint as a punt returner did not go well, with two mis-judged fair catches and a muff. He also showed inconsistent hands during training camp. In three preseason games, he finished with one catch for 10 yards.

A 26-year-old in his fifth NFL season, Watkins will not have to clear waivers. The Steelers signed him to a one-year contract earlier this offseason after he spent his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted him in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Watkins’ best season in Philadelphia came in 2021, when he made 12 starts and caught 43 passes for 647 yards and one touchdown.

In addition to Watkins, the Steelers also released linebacker Kyron Johnson early in the day on Tuesday, ahead of the 4 p.m. deadline to get the roster to 53 players.