The Pittsburgh Steelers are parting ways with safety Ryan Watts, who is expected to retire after suffering a serious neck injury during the final play of the 2024 preseason.
Steelers general manager Omar Khan issued a statement announcing the decision to release Watts. After consulting with medical professionals and Watts’ representatives, it was determined that retirement is the best option for him.
“Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster,” Khan stated. “After discussions with our medical team, experts, and Ryan’s representatives, it’s clear that it’s in his best interest to stop playing football at this time. We will continue to offer our support as he transitions to the next stage of his life.”
Watts had undergone surgery in the offseason after attempting to rehab throughout the year, leaving his NFL future uncertain.
“We were really excited about Ryan’s progress last year,” Khan mentioned at the NFL Combine. “He was improving every week, and it’s unfortunate that he suffered such a serious injury. It’s disappointing how it ended for him, especially since he was heading in the right direction.”
A sixth-round draft pick by the Steelers last year, Watts performed well in training camp and was on track to earn a spot on the roster before the injury. The injury, which occurred during the final preseason play, involved a knee to his head, leading to a stinger diagnosis. By November, Watts was still waiting for medical clearance.
