Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that the Chiefs would like to have WR Sammy Watkins back for the 2020 season.
Pelissero explains that money remains an issue, given that Watkins is set to make $14 million next season. However, Kansas City is expected to try to find a way to make it work with Watkins.
Should Watkins be released, Pelissero mentions that there should be a “big market” for his services.
Last week, Watkins told NFL.com that he’s hoping to remain in Kansas City for as long as HC Andy Reid is there.
“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 Reid retires,” Watkins said. “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 set to count $21 million against the Chiefs’ 2020 salary cap and stands to make a non-guaranteed base salary of $13.75 million at a time when there are some big contracts on the horizon including QB Patrick Mahomes and DT Chris Jones.
With this in mind, Watkins admits it’s possible the Chiefs could approach him about a pay cut or even release him outright this offseason.
“They might, you never know,” Watkins said.
“I don’t want to say I will be (open to a pay cut). I don’t want to say I won’t,” Watkins explained. “I just think I’m a special player. I think I deserve all the things I deserve. If I’m at home and thinking about it, if I have to do it to pay Pat, I maybe will. That’s a guy that we should pay, and he needs to get paid. But you never know, that’s a decision I’d have to go through.”
The Chiefs would pick up $14 million in cap space and take on $7 million in dead money by releasing Watkins this offseason.
Watkins, 26, is a former first-round pick of the Bills back in 2014 after they traded up with the Rams to get him. Buffalo would later trade him to the Rams.
Watkins played out the final year of his four-year, $19.935 million rookie contract before agreeing to a three-year, $48 million deal that included $30 million guaranteed with the Chiefs back in 2018.
In 2019, Watkins appeared in 14 games for the Chiefs and caught 52 passes for 673 yards receiving and three touchdowns.
We’ll have more regarding Watkins as the news is available.
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