The Chicago Bears know one thing about their wide receiver position at this point. Allen Robinson is a stud and their #1 guy. Beyond that? It’s a lot of questions. Anthony Miller is enduring his second offseason shoulder surgery. Taylor Gabriel’s season ended with a concussion. Javon Wims and Riley Ridley failed to impress in their extended opportunities. The position is in a state of flux for the team. So what does this have to do with Sammy Watkins?
The 26-year old wide receiver had a solid season in 2019, going for 673 yards and three touchdowns. This before going big in the playoffs with nine catches for 190 yards and a touchdown. He showed that he can still be that big play threat when given opportunities. So it was of considerable interest when Ian Rapoport of NFL Network revealed the likelihood that the Super Bowl is likely the last game he’s going to play in a Chiefs uniform.
“Sammy Watkins is certainly in the crosshairs there…Watkins could in fact be cut. The reason why has nothing to do with his play. It’s just he’s making $14 million in salary. None of it guaranteed. A $21 million cap hit is something that simply is not going to work. It’s really up to the Chiefs. Do they extend him or do they try to trade or release him? From what I understand, the potential trade or release is a more likely option for the Chiefs.”
Chicago Bears could pounce on Watkins
The timing of this is significant from the Bears’ perspective. They are looking for more speed at wide receiver and need a reliable #2 guy opposite Robinson. Watkins could check both boxes. He’s still young but will likely be more affordable due to his rather pedestrian production the past two years. It’s also important to remember this team had significant interest in him back in 2018 before he chose to sign in Kansas City.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported it.
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“Multiple sources say the Bears have identified the Rams’ Sammy Watkins as their top target at arguably their greatest position of need — wide receiver. Watkins, the fourth overall pick in the 2014 draft by the Bills, has averaged 15.9 yards per catch in his career. For the sake of comparison, that’s more than a yard better than former Bear Alshon Jeffery.”
Watkins has experience in the type of offense the Bears run. If he can’t return to the Chiefs, then coming to Chicago makes plenty of sense. The price will determine that. Still, this is a connection that cannot and should not be ignored.