Following moves to beef up their center back position with off-season signings, the Rapids have traded to the in an exchange for allocation money.
Watts was drafted by the Rapids out of Wake Forest in 2014 and started 61 games over the next four seasons including 18 starts last season. With plans to implement a three-man back line under new coach Anthony Hudson this season, the team signed three new center backs in Tommy Smith, Deklan Wynne and Danny Wilson. Two players who have been regulars at the position in years past, Kortne Ford and , remain on the roster.
“We want to thank Jared for his contributions to our club over the past four seasons,” said Rapids Executive Vice President and General Manager Pádraig Smith. “He is a genuine, committed professional, and we wish him the best of luck as he begins this next chapter of his career.”
![Paxten Aaronson #10 of the Colorado Rapids] controls the ball in the second half during a match at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on August 19, 2026 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)](/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GettyImages-2291591540.jpg?w=525 "Colorado Rapids v Los Angeles Football Club")
