Wide receiver Quez Watkins, who was on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad throughout the entire 2024 season, has signed with the Arizona Cardinals for the upcoming 2025 season, as reported on the NFL transaction page for Thursday.
Watkins’ contract with the Steelers ended after the team concluded its 2024 season last weekend. The Steelers opted to sign 17 players to future contracts for 2025, including eight from their practice squad, but did not retain Watkins.
Watkins, a five-year veteran, will join the Cardinals next season. He initially signed with the Steelers in March after spending his first four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. During the offseason, Watkins was placed as the fourth wide receiver on the Steelers’ depth chart, behind George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III. However, as the spring and summer progressed, he lost playing time to Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, and Brandon Johnson.
The Steelers attempted to utilize Watkins on special teams, but his only experience as a punt returner was disappointing, marked by two misjudged fair catches and a fumble during the preseason. He also struggled with inconsistency during training camp. In three preseason games, he recorded just one catch for 10 yards, ultimately leading to his release at the end of training camp and subsequent re-signing to the practice squad, where he remained for the entirety of the 2024 season.
In 2023, Watkins played in nine games, totaling 15 receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown. His best season came in 2021 when he achieved 647 yards and a touchdown on 43 receptions. He followed that performance in 2022 with 33 catches for 354 yards and another touchdown, but was hampered by a hamstring injury in 2023.
This week, the Steelers re-signed Johnson to a future contract for 2025. Meanwhile, the contracts of Miller and wide receiver/kick returner Jamal Agnew have expired, while Jefferson, Skowronek, and Mike Williams will become unrestricted free agents in March.
