Vikings Add Leroy Watson to Practice Squad, Release Coy Cronk
EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have bolstered their practice squad by signing offensive tackle Leroy Watson, the team announced Friday.
To accommodate Watson’s addition, the Vikings released tackle Coy Cronk from the practice squad.
Watson entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022. Over his professional career, he has also spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans. Watson has played in 11 NFL games, starting in four of them.
A native of Snellville, Georgia, Watson transitioned from college football to the NFL after three seasons at Texas-San Antonio. During his time with the Roadrunners, he played as a tight end.
Let me know if you’d like further adjustments or if you’d like me to expand this into a 700-word article with additional context and analysis.
Leroy Watson, a 26-year-old offensive tackle from Snellville, Georgia, has had a dynamic journey through the NFL since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022. After playing college football as a tight end at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Watson transitioned to the offensive line upon joining the professional ranks.
Professional Career Timeline:
- 2022: Signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent, Watson inked a three-year contract worth $2.57 million, which included a $10,000 signing bonus and $35,000 guaranteed. citeturn0search0 However, he was waived by the Falcons during the final roster cuts in August, clearing $680,000 in cap space for the team. citeturn0search1 Subsequently, he joined the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad in September.
- 2023: Watson signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers in January, valued at $750,000 for one year. citeturn0search2 After being waived in August, he returned to their practice squad. In November, the Cleveland Browns signed him to their active roster, where he appeared in seven games during the season. citeturn0search8
- 2024: In April, the Browns traded Watson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick (#227). citeturn0search5 He was waived by the Titans in August but rejoined their practice squad shortly thereafter. By October, Watson was promoted to the Titans’ active roster, only to be waived again in December. citeturn0search9
- December 27, 2024: The Minnesota Vikings signed Watson to their practice squad, releasing tackle Coy Cronk to make room for him. citeturn0search3
Contractual Details:
Throughout his career, Watson’s contracts have varied based on team agreements and league minimums. His initial contract with the Falcons was a three-year deal worth $2.57 million, including a $10,000 signing bonus and $35,000 guaranteed. citeturn0search0 His subsequent one-year contract with the 49ers in 2023 was valued at $750,000. citeturn0search2 Later, with the Titans, he signed a two-year contract worth $1.945 million, averaging $972,500 per year, though it included no guaranteed money. citeturn0search1
As of December 2024, specific details regarding Watson’s practice squad contract with the Minnesota Vikings have not been publicly disclosed. Practice squad players typically earn a minimum salary determined by the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, which can vary based on experience and tenure.
Career Earnings:
By the end of the 2024 season, Watson’s cumulative career earnings are estimated to be approximately $1.236 million. citeturn0search0 This figure encompasses salaries from active rosters and practice squads across multiple teams, reflecting his perseverance and adaptability in the league.
Recent Developments:
Watson’s addition to the Vikings’ practice squad underscores Minnesota’s ongoing efforts to enhance their offensive line depth. Given his experience with various teams and positions, Watson brings versatility and valuable insights to the Vikings’ practice unit.
In summary, Leroy Watson’s NFL journey is marked by resilience and adaptability. From his beginnings as a tight end at UTSA to his current role as an offensive tackle with the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad, Watson’s career reflects his commitment to professional growth and his ability to navigate the challenges of the NFL landscape.