On Monday the Pittsburgh Steelers announced cornerback and 2024 draft pick Ryan Watts would be released from the team with the expectation that he will no longer play football.

The Pittsburgh Steelers released former Texas defensive back Ryan Watts on Monday following a season-ending neck injury he sustained during the 2024 preseason. Watts is expected to medically retire from football as a result.

Watts, 23, spent the entire 2024 season on injured reserve after suffering a neck injury late in the preseason. “Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster