Sammy Watkins
The primary concern regarding a long-term commitment to Sammy Watkins is his injury history. In his first year with the Chiefs, the wide receiver missed six of his last seven games, and in the one game he did play, he saw very few snaps and had to exit early against the Los Angeles Rams.
Watkins did return in time for the playoffs and proved to be an instrumental part of the offense that the team needed to try to make a run for the Super Bowl. Watkins caught 10 passes for 176 yards in the two postseason games against the Colts and Patriots. His 10 catches tied Kelce and Damien Williams for most on the team in the postseason, while he had more receiving yards than anyone on the team for the postseason.
Given that the team will likely extend Hill by this point and rookie receiver Mecole Hardman was recently drafted, one might ask if there is room for Watkins—especially considering the financial aspect, which is a valid question.
One reason for Mahomes’ early success has to do with the plethora of speed and weapons around him, Watkins included. There is no doubt that with Mahomes under center, everyone on this offense will be utilized. It is worth the money to find a way to keep Watkins and bringing him back to a crowded offense, which would ensure that the Chiefs would have one of the best offenses in the league for more years to come.
Watkins is currently in the second year of his three-year deal with the Chiefs worth $48 million. His contract extension or re-signing could come later.