Wide receiver Quez Watkins. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers release explosive wide receiver amid preseason struggles

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Brogan Noey | Last updated Aug 27, 2024 2:38 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a lot of work to do in order to figure out the pecking order behind George Pickens at the wide receiver position. The organization added an odd group of fringe wide receivers and was hoping to find some production.

As the preseason came to a close, it became clear that Van Jefferson is the most reliable option behind Pickens, with Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III right behind him. Pittsburgh then needed to decide what other receivers would make the final roster.

The receivers fighting for a spot were Scotty Miller, Quez Watkins and Dez Fitzpatrick. On Tuesday, it was reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Watkins was the odd man out and the organization would be parting ways with the speedy receiver. This comes after Watkins struggled mightily on special teams.

#Steelers are releasing WR Quez Watkins, per source. A bit of a surprise given Pittsburgh's depth issues at receiver.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 27, 2024

People watching the Steelers closely know this isn't that much of a surprising move. He couldn't field a punt during the Steelers' first preseason game, and if he was one of the last receivers on the roster, he absolutely needed to be able to play special teams. He bounced back and made some good plays during practice, but it didn't make up for his mistakes.

Watkins has been a gadget player up to this point in his career. He isn't super reliable as a receiver, but is a serious threat on outside runs and screens. Pittsburgh already has Austin to fill that role, so there was really no need for Watkins. This move likely means that Miller and Fitzpatrick are safe.

Fitzpatrick is a bit of a surprise to make the roster. He was with Pittsburgh in 2023, but often seemed to be overshadowed during training camp. He made a great play in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, catching a deep ball that set Pittsburgh up in field goal range. This likely sealed up his roster spot.

Steelers could still add external help at receiver

General manager Omar Khan could still go shopping at the receiver position. The offer to the San Francisco 49ers for star receiver Brandon Aiyuk is still on the table, and there are also a ton of decent receivers on the waiver wire after teams have begun to make final roster cuts. An addition at receiver would likely mean the end of either Miller or Fitzpatrick in Pittsburgh. It would likely depend on who adds more value in special teams.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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