Title: An Uncertain Future for Steelers’ Wide Receiver Quez Watkins
Key Takeaways:
– Experts have urged the Pittsburgh Steelers to strengthen their wide receiver lineup.
– There are concerns that some of the veteran wideouts might not make the cut.
– Quez Watkins, signed in free agency, is one of the potential cut candidates.
– Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report listed Watkins as a potential cut, citing lack of role for him.
– Watkins had impressive stats in the past but his performance in recent seasons has dwindled.
Uncertain Future for Steelers’ Wide Receiver
The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team known for its robust recruiting strategy, have been facing pressure in the recent weeks. Experts and pundits have been urging the Steelers to make a significant addition to their wide receiver lineup. The pressure comes amidst apprehensions that not all the veteran wide receivers, signed during the free agency, will make it to the roster in September. One such name that has now cropped up as a potential cut candidate is Quez Watkins.
A Question of Need
Quez Watkins was picked up by the Steelers for the depth he could bring to the wide receiver position. However, as Joe Tansey from the Bleacher Report pointed out, the role for Watkins does not seem clear. In a May 8 report, Tansey went as far as to name Watkins as one of the three wideouts that might not make it to the Steelers’ roster.
Considering Steelers already have George Pickens, whom they are looking to place behind, Watkins’ path to make the roster becomes more challenging. Moreover, with players like Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III likely to secure a spot, Watkins is, at best, tossing for the No. 5 wide receiver place.
Also, the Steelers do not necessarily need to keep five wideouts on the active roster. With Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, and Connor Hayward already in at tight end, the competition looks tough for Watkins.
Past Performance and Present Situation
In a season, Watkins managed an impressive 43 catches and 647 receiving yards. These numbers are something the Pittsburgh Steelers would undoubtedly love to replicate. Such production from Watkins could significantly strengthen their team, especially behind their No. 1 choice, George Pickens.
However, it’s worth noting that Watkins posted these statistics back in 2021. The past two seasons do not showcase the same impressive scoring – in fact, both combined do not even match his previous 647-yard receipt.
In 2023, Watkins’ contribution resulted in 15 receptions for 142 yards with just one touchdown in nine matches he played with the Philadelphia Eagles. This decline in performance may be the crux of his potential demise from the Steelers’ lineup.
This offseason, the Steelers offered Watkins a one-year contract worth approximately the league’s minimum amount, i.e., $1.29 million. It is noteworthy that less than $200,000 of this contract is guaranteed. The fact that a modest portion of the contract is guaranteed only serves to entrench the notion of Watkins’ uncertain future with the team.
In light of these developments, the weeks ahead could be crucial for Quez Watkins. As the Steelers consider strengthening their wide receiver lineup and rookie implications, Watkins’ fate hangs in the balance.