The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed another receiver. This time, they are adding former Philadelphia Eagles speedster, Quez Watkins. Watkins is the second wide receiver signed by Pittsburgh since the beginning of free agency. The first being former Los Angeles Rams and Atlanta Falcons pass catcher, Van Jefferson.
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Van Jefferson during a game with the Los Angeles Rams.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler broke the news of the Watkins signing on Monday morning via X.
Source: Wide receiver Quez Watkins is signing with the #Steelers.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 25, 2024
Watkins started 25 games for the Eagles over the past four seasons, catching 98 passes for 1,249 yards and six touchdowns. Watkins' best season came in 2021 when he caught 43 passes on 62 targets for 647 yards.
The addition of Watkins doesn't fill a lot of the gaping holes at the wide receiver position that was created by trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. While Watkins does bring blazing 4.3 speed, he doesn't bring a ton of size or blocking ability. The latter is generally a requirement if you're going to play receiver for the Steelers.
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Watkins will likely find himself in a battle with Calvin Austin for a role in the slot. Watkins and Austin are very similar in a lot of ways, even though Watkins is much taller at 6'0".
During the preseason in 2021, Watkins toasted the Steelers secondary on a 79-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco. As is often proven, Mike Tomlin doesn't forget these moments. You can watch that play by clicking here. The Miami Dolphins were reportedly interested in Watkins earlier this offseason as well.
Steelers Still Need A WR2
The signing of Watkins doesn't move the needle much for Pittsburgh. They're still going to be forced to take a wide receiver in the first or second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Finding someone that can step in immediately opposite of George Pickens is going to be a tall task, especially if they don't move up in the first round. But it seems to be the direction the team is moving.
The addition of Watkins may rule out signing former Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd. There were reports last week that Boyd and the Steelers were at a standstill over money. Boyd is likely seen as a slot receiver and now they have at least two of those with Watkins and Austin. It's also unknown where Jefferson will fit into the offense.
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