Steelers release two players following the NFL Draft

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (BLACK AND GOLD NATION) – Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers having an NFL Draft weekend that “went well,” the team isn’t taking off for “Victory Monday” just yet. The Steelers announced on Monday that they are releasing nose tackle Montravius Adams and defensive back Ryan Watts.

The latter was advised by the Steelers to discontinue playing football due to Watts’ neck injury that he suffered at the end of last preseason. The 2024 sixth-round pick did not play in the regular season last year.

“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,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan said in a statement. “We will continue to assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life.”

Adams spent four seasons and started 21 games in Pittsburgh. The eight-year veteran had 72 tackles and one sack during his time with the black and gold.

The Steelers drafted Oregon’s Derrick Harmon and Iowa’s Yahya Black in the first and fifth rounds this weekend, making Adams expandable. Releasing him will save the Steelers more than $2.25 million in cap space.

According to PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh, the Steelers have also parted ways with quarterbacks coach and one-time interim offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, not to be confused with recently departed Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan.