The Kansas City Chiefs offensive success is good for business

Sammy Watkins

It’s hard to find a positive conversation anywhere about Sammy Watkins before the 2018 season. The Chiefs signed Watkins to a three-year deal that could be worth up to $48 million, and the instant analysis labeled it an overreaction, a horrible deal that skewed the market for wide receivers in the present and future.

The reasons are myriad, many of them understandable, regarding Watkins and the disappointment that surrounds him. As a former first round pick, Watkins entered the NFL with very, very high expectations and delivered on them in part during his first two years in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. During that span, he put up 15 touchdowns and 2029 receiving yards. Watkins was a bright young star who would help the Bills turn the corner from mediocrity.

Then came the injuries. He missed half the season in 2016, and the L.A. Rams traded for him the following offseason. Yet he was one-and-done in L.A. after he caught only 39 passes for 593 receiving yards—hardly the sort of statistics that stand out for a wide receiver in 15 games. Sure, he had 8 touchdowns, but overall the production seemed lacking, and the fact that he was headed for his third team after four years in the NFL this spring only bolstered story told about him.

But the Chiefs went all in on Watkins for reasons all their own. They love his incredible hands. They love him as a reliable end zone target. They love what he can do after the catch, especially against smaller defensive backs. They love his versatility and his work ethic and his raw talent that’s still being developed since he’s only now 25-years-old.

At this point, Watkins might not yet be an A.J. Green but he’s also not a bust like many fans have labeled him. He’s quickly becoming a key part of this Chiefs offense, and his presence opens the door for several others each week. The brighter this offense glows, the more Watkins will have a chance to reset his reputation.