The Pittsburgh Steelers selected seven players in the 2025 NFL Draft over the weekend. The Steelers added cornerback Donte Kent in the seventh round, something that was necessary as the team was set to part ways with a draft pick from the 2024 class.
The Steelers went heavy on defense, taking five players on defense. Pittsburgh added two players on offense, including quarterback Will Howard, as the front office awaits Aaron Rodgers to make his decision on signing with the team for 2025.
The Pittsburgh Steelers lost a 2024 draft pick
On Monday, a position on the roster opened up.
Per a statement by the Steelers, the team is releasing cornerback Ryan Watts after one season with the team. Watts is set to retire from the league due to medical reasons.
“Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster,” wrote Steelers general manager Omar Khan. “After consulting with our medical team, medical experts, and Ryan’s representatives, we all agree that it is in Ryan’s best interest to discontinue playing football at this time.
“We will continue to assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.”
Statement from GM Omar Khan on Ryan Watts: pic.twitter.com/9fYfVFB5ez
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 28, 2025
Ryan Watts never played a snap in the NFL
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
Pittsburgh selected Watts out of Texas in the sixth round of the 2024 draft. He was placed on injured reserve following training camp last summer due to a neck injury. He never played a snap in the league.
Watts played two years at Ohio State before transferring to Texas. He played two years with the Longhorns.
Kent has a chance to develop into the role Watts was expected to occupy before the tragic injury.
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