Sammy Watkins 'scarred' by Bills trade, didn't want to be in Buffalo

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

2 minutes ago, billsbackto81 said:

Sammy would never come here as a FA unless he got a kings ransom. Heck, to me he's not worth the 16 per he's getting from KC. I like Sammy, always have. But if he signed here on a mega deal only to get hurt again this place would explode. 

 

 

...note his warning, "I may just take a year off"..............

Sammy Watkins concedes Chiefs might ask him to take pay cut

Posted by Charean Williams on January 30, 2020, 11:31 AM EST

 

After three years in Buffalo and one with the Rams, Sammy Watkins finally feels at home. He has spent the past two seasons in Kansas City, making 92 catches for 1,192 yards and six touchdowns.

 

But the reality is: Watkins might be playing his final game for the Chiefs on Sunday.

 

“You never know. I have a lot of dreams and a lot of things I want to do. But hopefully I am here for the next — until coach [Andy] retires,” Watkins told NFL.com. “When he goes, I’m going to go. So, if I’m here a long time, I would definitely want to be here. And if I’m not, I’m going to take my dreams somewhere else and make the best of it.”

 

Watkins is scheduled to count $21 million against the salary cap in 2020, with a base salary of $13.75 million. The Chiefs can save $14 million in cap space by cutting him . . . or they could ask him to take a pay cut.

 

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/01/30/sammy-watkins-concedes-chiefs-might-ask-him-to-take-pay-cut/

 

[dave mcbride]

4 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

...note his warning, "I may just take a year off"..............

Sammy Watkins concedes Chiefs might ask him to take pay cut

Posted by Charean Williams on January 30, 2020, 11:31 AM EST

 

After three years in Buffalo and one with the Rams, Sammy Watkins finally feels at home. He has spent the past two seasons in Kansas City, making 92 catches for 1,192 yards and six touchdowns.

 

But the reality is: Watkins might be playing his final game for the Chiefs on Sunday.

 

“You never know. I have a lot of dreams and a lot of things I want to do. But hopefully I am here for the next — until coach [Andy] retires,” Watkins told NFL.com. “When he goes, I’m going to go. So, if I’m here a long time, I would definitely want to be here. And if I’m not, I’m going to take my dreams somewhere else and make the best of it.”

 

Watkins is scheduled to count $21 million against the salary cap in 2020, with a base salary of $13.75 million. The Chiefs can save $14 million in cap space by cutting him . . . or they could ask him to take a pay cut.

 

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/01/30/sammy-watkins-concedes-chiefs-might-ask-him-to-take-pay-cut/

 

If you go further back in the thread, in the televised interview with him after the SB ended, he basically said he was joking. 

[billsbackto81]

4 minutes ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

 

...note his warning, "I may just take a year off"..............

Sammy Watkins concedes Chiefs might ask him to take pay cut

Posted by Charean Williams on January 30, 2020, 11:31 AM EST

 

After three years in Buffalo and one with the Rams, Sammy Watkins finally feels at home. He has spent the past two seasons in Kansas City, making 92 catches for 1,192 yards and six touchdowns.

 

But the reality is: Watkins might be playing his final game for the Chiefs on Sunday.

 

“You never know. I have a lot of dreams and a lot of things I want to do. But hopefully I am here for the next — until coach [Andy] retires,” Watkins told NFL.com. “When he goes, I’m going to go. So, if I’m here a long time, I would definitely want to be here. And if I’m not, I’m going to take my dreams somewhere else and make the best of it.”

 

Watkins is scheduled to count $21 million against the salary cap in 2020, with a base salary of $13.75 million. The Chiefs can save $14 million in cap space by cutting him . . . or they could ask him to take a pay cut.

 

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/01/30/sammy-watkins-concedes-chiefs-might-ask-him-to-take-pay-cut/

 

He's got his ring. He'd go to Cincinnati or Miami if they paid him 15 per. 

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

2 minutes ago, dave mcbride said:

If you go further back in the thread, in the televised interview with him after the SB ended, he basically said he was joking. 

 

...did not see the interview..........

[Phil The Thrill]

KC will cut Sammy for the simple that they want to get Mahomes under contract long term ASAP...and why not?  
 

You can’t be paying a #3WR $16M a year when you probably could get the same production from Merocole Hardman as #3 WR. 

[Prickly Pete]

Sammy Watkins is in the rear view mirror.

[Codyny13]

37 minutes ago, dave mcbride said:

If you go further back in the thread, in the televised interview with him after the SB ended, he basically said he was joking. 

I don’t think he’s joking. He was on Sirius radio after they won saying he might take some time to figure out what he wants to do. There’s def some doubt in his mind.

[Billsfan1972]

He's been laughing all the way to the bank....

 

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/sammy-watkins-14413/cash-earnings/

 

I've defended him, but agreed his regular season production 2017-19 has been underwhelming.

 

Still made no sense the LA trade and the hate on here for him (as if it was his fault the Bills traded up for him & injuries).

 

The Bills 30th ranked offense in 2017 can be primarily attributed the the lousy receiving core......

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

17 hours ago, Phil The Thrill said:

KC will cut Sammy for the simple that they want to get Mahomes under contract long term ASAP...and why not?  
 

You can’t be paying a #3WR $16M a year when you probably could get the same production from Merocole Hardman as #3 WR. 

 

Well the Hill extension kicks in next year so... he's probably gone.  As soon as he's cut ever WR wants to play there too.  Could have Anderson, or Sanders - and save cap space.  

[dave mcbride]

21 minutes ago, dneveu said:

 

Well the Hill extension kicks in next year so... he's probably gone.  As soon as he's cut ever WR wants to play there too.  Could have Anderson, or Sanders - and save cap space.  

The interesting thing about Hill is that he skews this entire conversation. He's probably the most remarkable and dangerous athlete playing at the WR position in the past decade or so. He has a 40.5 inch vertical (which is incredible) to go with 4.2+ speed and second-to-none short area quickness. Julio Jones would be the number 2 WR on that team. 

Edited February 4, 2020 by dave mcbride

[BADOLBILZ]

17 hours ago, Codyny13 said:

I don’t think he’s joking. He was on Sirius radio after they won saying he might take some time to figure out what he wants to do. There’s def some doubt in his mind.

 

He was on NFL network right after the game and literally said he was just messing with the media and that he was "too young" to take a season off.    

 

I think what it comes down to is that he always intended to be dictating the terms of his employment at this point in his career and now he is essentially a free agent because he knows that a CBA permitted "pay cut"........which I believe is a max of 20%..........is not close to enough for him to be back in KC next year.    

 

He's getting cut.

 

So yeah he's got 4-6 weeks for he and his agent to figure out what's next.

 

And coming off two disappointing regular seasons he needs to go somewhere that he will be fed the ball to re-build his stock...........which means taking a big pay cut AND limiting the options of places to play.

 

[Billsfan1972]

1 minute ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

He was on NFL network right after the game and literally said he was just messing with the media and that he was "too young" to take a season off.    

 

I think what it comes down to is that he always intended to be dictating the terms of his employment at this point in his career and now he is essentially a free agent because he knows that a CBA permitted "pay cut"........which I believe is a max of 20%..........is not close to enough for him to be back in KC next year.    

 

He's getting cut.

 

So yeah he's got 4-6 weeks for he and his agent to figure out what's next.

 

And coming off two disappointing regular seasons he needs to go somewhere that he will be fed the ball to re-build his stock...........which means taking a big pay cut AND limiting the options of places to play.

 

A cut to probably $10,000,000/yr & signing bonus.  Torched Sherman a # of times.  He'll be fine & seeing what he is capable of, it will be interesting if he can put it all together.

 

I'd say the Jets, Jax or Balt (needs a real wr), would be good landing spots.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

16 minutes ago, dave mcbride said:

The interesting thing about Hill is that he skews this entire conversation. He's probably the most remarkable and dangerous athlete playing at the WR position in the past decade or so. He has a 40.5 inch vertical (which is incredible) to go with 4.2+ speed and second-to-none short area quickness. Julio Jones would be the number 2 WR on that team. 

 

Add in that Hill is incredibly sure-handed and in past years has caught up to 74% of throws tossed in his direction.

 

Further supporting your point: big jump in Alex Smith production when KC moved on from Maclin and Hill took on a larger role in his 2nd year.

[BADOLBILZ]

25 minutes ago, dave mcbride said:

The interesting thing about Hill is that he skews this entire conversation. He's probably the most remarkable and dangerous athlete playing at the WR position in the past decade or so. He has a 40.5 inch vertical (which is incredible) to go with 4.2+ speed and second-to-none short area quickness. Julio Jones would be the number 2 WR on that team. 

 

 

Yeah it's a highly unusual situation.    Hill is the most dangerous player in the NFL with the ball in his hands.

 

I suspect Sammy's #1 hope will be that Amari Cooper leaves Dallas and then try to get a prove it deal there as Dak's #1.

 

Baltimore has been mentioned too and Sammy played some of his best football in year one of Rex with Roman as OC.

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

16 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

He was on NFL network right after the game and literally said he was just messing with the media and that he was "too young" to take a season off.    

 

I think what it comes down to is that he always intended to be dictating the terms of his employment at this point in his career and now he is essentially a free agent because he knows that a CBA permitted "pay cut"........which I believe is a max of 20%..........is not close to enough for him to be back in KC next year.    

 

He's getting cut.

 

So yeah he's got 4-6 weeks for he and his agent to figure out what's next.

 

And coming off two disappointing regular seasons he needs to go somewhere that he will be fed the ball to re-build his stock...........which means taking a big pay cut AND limiting the options of places to play.

 

BadOl, say more about the CBA limit on permitted "pay cut" - I had not heard of this.

 

Watkins is a $7M dead cap hit and saves them $14M if they cut him.  KC has some big name FA and only about $8M cap more than they need for rookie contracts right now, so you're likely right.

 

But I don't think they win that game without him.

 

As for Sammy's stock:

In LA in 2017, Watkins was the #3 receiver for targets and yards, despite playing 3 more games than Woods and playing on the #1 offense for points.

In KC in 2018, Watkins is the #3 receiver for Y/G (he missed games) despite playing on the #1 offense with a record-setting hot-hand QB. 

 

Teams can say "yeah, he's been stuck behind Hill and Kelce, but then they have to say "he was stuck behind Kupp and Woods". 

At some point teams gonna ask "is he stuck, or is he a very good #2 guy?"

 

[plenzmd1]

17 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

he is essentially a free agent because he knows that a CBA permitted "pay cut"........which I believe is a max of 20%..........is not close to enough for him to be back in KC next year.    

 

 

 

WTH is this..never heard of it. Need to google!

[Hapless Bills Fan]

15 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

Yeah it's a highly unusual situation.    Hill is the most dangerous player in the NFL with the ball in his hands.

I suspect Sammy's #1 hope will be that Amari Cooper leaves Dallas and then try to get a prove it deal there as Dak's #1.

Baltimore has been mentioned too and Sammy played some of his best football in year one of Rex with Roman as OC.

 

Unless Baltimore greatly reworks their passing game, Sammy's dreaming to think he rebuilds his stock there.  Their passing game is TE-centric, and I'm sure that Marquise Brown would like to see more targets; he showed himself sure-handed whenever he got the chance.  He's on a rookie deal and so is Boykin, whom I believe they think well of from what they've seen.  I don't think the Ravens are gonna shell out for Watkins.

 

If Cooper leaves Dallas, you may be right that the Cowboys would be a good spot and they have cap.... they do have some FA players who want to get paid though.

[BADOLBILZ]

2 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Unless Baltimore greatly reworks their passing game, Sammy's dreaming to think he rebuilds his stock there.  Their passing game is TE-centric, and I'm sure that Marquise Brown would like to see more targets; he showed himself sure-handed whenever he got the chance.  He's on a rookie deal and so is Boykin, whom I believe they think well of from what they've seen.  I don't think the Ravens are gonna shell out for Watkins.

 

If Cooper leaves Dallas, you may be right that the Cowboys would be a good spot and they have cap.... they do have some FA players who want to get paid though.

 

 

Agreed.........I think Dallas looks like the best option..........they have the money to fit a guy in at $8M-$10M on a 1 year deal if Cooper leaves and Dak throws the ball deep and to the sidelines so there are plays to be made there.  

 

They were interested the last time he was a UFA as I recall.

 

As for the pay cut allowance I assume it's still part of the CBA but back when half the league was in cap disarray every year it was a regularly discussed component.    Like I said I think it's around 20% of base salary and after that they have to be cut and re-signed.    That's a possibility but if you are KC and looking at this WR draft class.........why not just draft a couple?

[Figster]

48 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

BadOl, say more about the CBA limit on permitted "pay cut" - I had not heard of this.

 

Watkins is a $7M dead cap hit and saves them $14M if they cut him.  KC has some big name FA and only about $8M cap more than they need for rookie contracts right now, so you're likely right.

 

But I don't think they win that game without him.

 

As for Sammy's stock:

In LA in 2017, Watkins was the #3 receiver for targets and yards, despite playing 3 more games than Woods and playing on the #1 offense for points.

In KC in 2018, Watkins is the #3 receiver for Y/G (he missed games) despite playing on the #1 offense with a record-setting hot-hand QB. 

 

Teams can say "yeah, he's been stuck behind Hill and Kelce, but then they have to say "he was stuck behind Kupp and Woods". 

At some point teams gonna ask "is he stuck, or is he a very good #2 guy?"

 

Myself personally, If I'm the Bills GM I would explore the possibility of bringing Sammy back to Buffalo. 

 

Andy Reid made it a point to reference Sammy Watkins in his post game interview after the Superbowl. I think Reid realizes what he has in Watkins and finds a way to keep him in the fold.

Edited February 4, 2020 by Figster

[Hapless Bills Fan]

2 minutes ago, Figster said:

Myself personally, If I'm the Bills GM I would explore the possibility of bringing Sammy back to Buffalo. 

 

I don't think that's going to be explored.  Nor am I persuaded it should be.  Right now, I believe the data say Watkins is a very good #2 or #3 guy who can make valuable plays when #1 and #2 are covered like blankets.

 

2 minutes ago, Figster said:

Andy Reid made it a point to reference Watkins in his 1st post game interview after the Superbowl. I think Reid realizes what he has in Watkins and finds a way to keep him in the fold.

 

Reid should reference Watkins.  Watkins played a big role in winning that game.  I'm sure Reid would like to keep Watkins.

 

But especially if @BADOLBILZ is correct that they can't ask him to take more than a 20% paycut, I don't see how they can keep him.  I'm sure Reid would like to keep all their players, but he has to be realistic.  The Chiefs won the SB on the strength of vastly improved defense, from #24 to #7.  

 

They have 18 UFA, and many of them are on defense, including Chris Jones and Bashaud Breeland.  They have $16M in cap space right now, which is about $8M more than their estimated rookie pool.  Watkins is the #2 cap on the team.

 

They're going to have to make some choices.

 

56 minutes ago, plenzmd1 said:

WTH is this..never heard of it. Need to google!

 

I have googled, and so far coming up blank.  I see a reference to a cap of 30% per year on pay INCREASE for a renegotiated contract, but not for pay cuts.

[BADOLBILZ]

15 minutes ago, Figster said:

Myself personally, If I'm the Bills GM I would explore the possibility of bringing Sammy back to Buffalo. 

 

Andy Reid made it a point to reference Sammy Watkins in his post game interview after the Superbowl. I think Reid realizes what he has in Watkins and finds a way to keep him in the fold.

 

He was a luxury to Reid.   It actually appeared that KC had relegated Watkins in the second half of the season........perhaps preparing for life after they cut him.

 

As far as bringing back former Bills that Andy Reid had success with I'd prefer Jason Peters..........who Reid once called "The Peyton Manning of offensive lineman" after he pilfered him from the incompetence that was Russ Brandon(who had the torches and pitchforks on his side back in those days).

 

Put Peters at RT on a one year deal and let he and Nsekhe manage the spot in rotation to keep them fresh and if Dawkins misses time you have Peters to fill that spot coming off another top 10 performance at LT.

 

[thebandit27]

31 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

He was a luxury to Reid.   It actually appeared that KC had relegated Watkins in the second half of the season........perhaps preparing for life after they cut him.

 

As far as bringing back former Bills that Andy Reid had success with I'd prefer Jason Peters..........who Reid once called "The Peyton Manning of offensive lineman" after he pilfered him from the incompetence that was Russ Brandon(who had the torches and pitchforks on his side back in those days).

 

Put Peters at RT on a one year deal and let he and Nsekhe manage the spot in rotation to keep them fresh and if Dawkins misses time you have Peters to fill that spot coming off another top 10 performance at LT.

 

Weren't we having the same conversation about Peters last year?

 

Are they really more willing to deal him now after Dillard’s relatively lousy rookie season and no Vaitai to step in?

 

I suppose they may be...

[BADOLBILZ]

1 minute ago, thebandit27 said:

Weren't we having the same conversation about Peters last year?

 

Are they really more willing to deal him now after Dillard’s relatively lousy rookie season and no Vaitai to step in?

 

I suppose they may be...

 

 

He's a free agent.

 

I guess it's just assumed he won't change teams but he played for cheap on a 1 year deal last year.

 

 

[Figster]

52 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

He was a luxury to Reid.   It actually appeared that KC had relegated Watkins in the second half of the season........perhaps preparing for life after they cut him.

 

As far as bringing back former Bills that Andy Reid had success with I'd prefer Jason Peters..........who Reid once called "The Peyton Manning of offensive lineman" after he pilfered him from the incompetence that was Russ Brandon(who had the torches and pitchforks on his side back in those days).

 

Put Peters at RT on a one year deal and let he and Nsekhe manage the spot in rotation to keep them fresh and if Dawkins misses time you have Peters to fill that spot coming off another top 10 performance at LT.

 

Sammy Watkins has the unique ability to stop on a dime creating holes in the oppositions D.  To me this ability along with his size is a good match for Josh Allens high velocity throws IMO.

 

On the other hand, having the elderly albeit Jason Peters back in Buffalo wouldn't hurt my feelings 

Edited February 4, 2020 by Figster

[thebandit27]

14 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

He's a free agent.

 

I guess it's just assumed he won't change teams but he played for cheap on a 1 year deal last year.

 

 

Great. Sign both Peters and George Fant and I’ll be happy with the RT situation. Ford goes to LG, Nsekhe is your game day swing OT.

 

Fant is OT4 and Bates is IOL behind Long.

[dave mcbride]

19 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

He's a free agent.

 

I guess it's just assumed he won't change teams but he played for cheap on a 1 year deal last year.

 

 

He's going to go into the Eagles HOF. If they want him, he's likely to stay. 

58 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

He was a luxury to Reid.   It actually appeared that KC had relegated Watkins in the second half of the season........perhaps preparing for life after they cut him.

 

As far as bringing back former Bills that Andy Reid had success with I'd prefer Jason Peters..........who Reid once called "The Peyton Manning of offensive lineman" after he pilfered him from the incompetence that was Russ Brandon(who had the torches and pitchforks on his side back in those days).

 

Put Peters at RT on a one year deal and let he and Nsekhe manage the spot in rotation to keep them fresh and if Dawkins misses time you have Peters to fill that spot coming off another top 10 performance at LT.

 

You do realize the irony in offering Peters the RT spot, right?

[BADOLBILZ]

21 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

Great. Sign both Peters and George Fant and I’ll be happy with the RT situation. Ford goes to LG, Nsekhe is your game day swing OT.

 

Fant is OT4 and Bates is IOL behind Long.

 

 

Yeah I've been intrigued with Fant since seeing him in that game against the Bills in 2016...........dude practically walked off the basketball court onto the field and was able to play some tackle in the NFL.     If the "standard", college-trained-for-3-4 years NFL OL is pretty much useless until year 3 then maybe a guy with no experience has the light come on in year 5 or 6?  

24 minutes ago, dave mcbride said:

He's going to go into the Eagles HOF. If they want him, he's likely to stay. 

You do realize the irony in offering Peters the RT spot, right?

 

 

Yeah but do they want to pay him $8M-$9M after getting him on the cheap last year?

 

And I do realize the irony.........but this time you tell him ahead of time you are keeping him at his LT pay level.

 

 

[Royale with Cheese]

51 minutes ago, thebandit27 said:

Great. Sign both Peters and George Fant and I’ll be happy with the RT situation. Ford goes to LG, Nsekhe is your game day swing OT.

 

Fant is OT4 and Bates is IOL behind Long.

 

You think Peters would even consider coming back here?  Everyone that was here when he was here is gone now so.....maybe?

[Nextmanup]

He's your classic meathead pro athlete and he's no longer a Buffalo Bill.

 

My interest in him is zero; I recommend others follow suit.

 

 

[NoHuddleKelly12]

1 minute ago, Nextmanup said:

He's your classic meathead pro athlete and he's no longer a Buffalo Bill.

 

My interest in him is zero; I recommend others follow suit.

 

 

I can get behind this sentiment. 

[C.Biscuit97]

Good for Sammy.  Never became the dominant receiver because of injuries but was a huge part of a championship team and has made some good money.  He’s winning. 

[Punching Bag]

5 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

You think Peters would even consider coming back here?  Everyone that was here when he was here is gone now so.....maybe?

 

Including his agent, who is now in hell, who forced deal.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

6 hours ago, thebandit27 said:

Great. Sign both Peters and George Fant and I’ll be happy with the RT situation. Ford goes to LG, Nsekhe is your game day swing OT.

 

Fant is OT4 and Bates is IOL behind Long.

 

Bandit, has Ford ever played LG?

[billsfan_34]

On 1/29/2020 at 7:01 PM, SirAndrew said:

Come across as immature at times, and varies from taking accountability for his career one day, to taking none the next. Good thing there are some legit playmakers on that team so he can ride their coattails to the big game. 

When I watch Sammy he does nothing for me. Good mits, ok routes, never breaks tackles or gets YAC. 

[dayman]

Newsflash, guys are sour after being traded. 

[Mr. WEO]

5 hours ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

You think Peters would even consider coming back here?  Everyone that was here when he was here is gone now so.....maybe?

 

Peters would be entering his 17th season!

 

Everyone just stop this...

[Happy]

6 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

Peters would be entering his 17th season!

 

Everyone just stop this...

 

We sign a RB in his 15th season, talk about possibly bringing in a TE with 13 seasons played, and now all hell breaks loose.  I wonder what House Ballard is up to these days...

[thebandit27]

16 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Bandit, has Ford ever played LG?

Sophomore and Junior year at Oklahoma 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Just now, thebandit27 said:

Sophomore and Junior year at Oklahoma 

 

?

 

What about RG?  Ford ever played RG?

[thebandit27]

1 minute ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

?

 

What about RG?  Ford ever played RG?

That should’ve said freshman and sophomore year. I think just LG and RT at OU.