Sammy Watkins says being with KC Chiefs his ‘happy place’

Sammy Watkins says being with the Kansas City Chiefs is his “happy place”.

It’s been an interesting offseason for Sammy Watkins.

From the moment the Kansas City Chiefs first lifted up the Lombardi Trophy to celebrate their first Super Bowl win in 50 seasons, predictions were made about their ability to defend the title. At issue was the team’s ability to stay together for another run given salary cap concerns and the general parity of the NFL. Most Super Bowl rosters come apart in the following offseason as teams overpay both coaches and players hoping to get a share of that same success.

Watkins was, according to most, supposed to be a cap casualty. The Chiefs could ill afford to pay Watkins the money he was set to earn—the most of any player at his position—and, if set free, the former first round pick would also make plenty of new money on the open market. Then came the unexpected restructured contract—one that reduced his cap hit by several million to just under $16M.

Then came Watkins’ frustration. Despite being on board for another season, Watkins was upset this offseason in comments about his lack of targets on the team. In an interview that wrapped before his contract, Watkins said he was going to demand to be a bigger part of the Chiefs juggernaut offense.

"“I’m praying and hope they do right by me if I go back,” he says. “If they don’t, it’s going to be World War III. Seriously…”"

In a recent media session, Watkins wanted to put all of those quotes behind him, however. Instead, he insists that he’s ready to do whatever is needed to help the team win even if it doesn’t bring him the production he desires.

"“This is my happy place, so why not take a smaller contract and come out and play with the guys I’ve been playing with?"

That sort of perspective will be music to Andy Reid‘s ears after the earlier takes that could have caused a very real rift with teammates.

If Watkins really is happy with the Chiefs, it will be interesting to see if it remains his happy place beyond 2020. Bringing him back for another year seems like a stretch, but so did the restructure before it was announced.

Watkins, who recently turned 27, has 92 catches, 1,192 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns in two seasons in Kansas City.