The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised the NFL when they cut Robert Woods last week, but they brought him back to the practice squad.
This week, it's Woods with the surprise.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Woods has asked the Steelers for his release, and been granted it.
"A source says he only wants to continue playing if he’s on a 53-man roster and playing," Rapoport wrote on X. "The Steelers handled the request solidly and understood."
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That suggests that if Woods doesn't get a chance, he may retire.
Woods has had a lengthy NFL career that includes 171 games played, 683 catches, 8,233 yards and 38 touchdowns.
He's coming off a 2024 for Houston in which he had 20 grabs for 203 yards.
Woods has played for the Bills, Rams, Titans and Texans.
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His signing with Pittsburgh seemed like a solid shot at a roster spot, especially once the Steelers traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.
DK Metcalf is the WR1, and the Steelers like what they have in Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson.
But the fact that Woods couldn't make the team behind them probably doesn't bode too well for his future.
Woods is 33 years old and a former Super Bowl champion, and he'll hope for one more opportunity. It may take an injury to create an opening for Woods to seize.
The end of the road appears to be coming soon, even if it's not quite here yet.
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