Report: Rams expected to franchise tag Sammy Watkins

[LACHAMP46]

@Ramstien

He is better than Tru....and his production shows

 

[LACHAMP46]

Woods was unstoppable against Atlanta.

Except when it came to getting into the endzone....and definitely stoppable in the 1st quarter.

 

[LACHAMP46]

Alshon finished with 57 catches (120 target) 789 yards and 9 TD
Watkins finished with 39 catches (70 target) 593 yards and 8 TD
Who was the more effective player?

I'll take Watkins....

 

[CGI_Ram]

https://ramblinfan.com/2018/01/15/los-angeles-rams-sammy-watkins-3-reasons-to-bring-back/

Los Angeles Rams: 3 reasons to bring Sammy Watkins back in 2018

After averaging just 14 points per game during the 2016 season, the Los Angeles Ramsunderstood the importance of upgrading their receiving corps if they truly wanted to get the best out of Jared Goff in the passing game. And while the Rams certainly made a splash with the additions of Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp, one of the top moves that was completely unexpected was the acquisition of Sammy Watkins in the preseason.

With the Buffalo Bills declining their former wideout’s fifth-year option back in May, it was clear that it was only a matter of time before Watkins ended up elsewhere, which is why the team was willing to trade him to Los Angeles when they did. Despite previous concerns over his ability to stay healthy, Watkins turned out to be a great addition for the Rams’ offense, even if his numbers (39 catches for 593 yards with eight touchdowns in 15 games) weren’t exactly what the team expected.

All things considered, there are plenty of reasons why Los Angeles needs to strongly consider bringing Watkins back since his contract is up, whether it’s from using the franchise tag or simply rewarding him with a new deal. So with the Rams preparing for another busy offseason, here are three reasons to make the case for the team bringing Watkins back, no matter what it takes.

3. Having Watkins benefits teammates
Originally, the Rams were excited to bring Watkins on board since the former Clemson star seemed like he had the potential to not only emerge as the No. 1 wideout on offense, but also provide Goff with a speedy deep threat he had desperately been looking for. And while Watkins certainly put together a few impressive touchdowns from deep, the argument can be made that Los Angeles expected more receptions from the wideout under Sean McVay‘s system.

With that being said, the one positive factor that stood out the most from the presence of Watkins is it paved the way for other players like Woods and Kupp to see more passes thrown in their direction. At first, Watkins was frustrated over the lack of passes being thrown his way, but in good time, he would eventually realize how much the extra attention received from opponents benefited the offense as a whole to help Woods and Kupp get more open.

The fact that Woods and Kupp were able to combine for 118 catches for 1,650 yards to go along with 10 touchdowns shows how much of a help Watkins was to this offense. And while Woods and Kupp should have no issues producing solid numbers once again in 2018, having Watkins in the picture as well would benefit all parties.

2. Rams are built to continue being serious contenders
One of the main reasons why the Rams were so thrilled about the hiring of McVay last offseason was due to all of the success he had as offensive coordinator with the Washington Redskins since he seemed capable of getting the best out of Goff and the offense. With that being said, football fans never could have predicted Los Angeles to make the leap that they did by going from a four-win team to NFC West champions in a single year.

Best part is, this is only the beginning of what should be a fascinating future with McVay as head coach with the Rams being built strong enough on both sides of the football to be serious contenders for years to come. Not only did McVay help the offense make NFL history by going from worst to first scoring after Los Angeles finished on top of the league by averaging 29.9 points per game, but Wade Phillips helped the stellar defense led by Aaron Donald be one of the best in the league as well.

After years of the division being ruled by the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals, the Rams made a huge statement this season by proving to be the team to beat. So if Watkins wants to make sure he has a good chance of earning a Super Bowl ring, continuing to be part of a team that’s just getting started like Los Angeles seems like a no brainer for the wideout.

1. Watkins could have entire offseason to work with Goff
As exciting as it was to see the Rams acquire Watkins when they did in the preseason, the one tough factor that came into play was the wideout being at a disadvantage compared to his rest of his teammates when it came to being caught up in McVay’s system. With that being said, Watkins deserves all of the credit in the world for learning the offense as quickly as he did since the regular season was already less than a month away when the trade was made.

One can only imagine the type of numbers Watkins may have put up during his first year in Los Angeles had the trade been made a few months prior since it would have given him a chance to build more chemistry with Goff. At least if he were to return to the Rams for the 2018 season, Watkins would be able to spend an entire offseason working with his beloved quarterback in Goff, which could work wonders for the offense.

This may not seem like that big of a deal, but it’s amazing how much of a difference an offense can be when players take the extra time to work together before training camp gets underway. Only time will tell when it comes to where Watkins will be for the 2018 season, but the good news is when it comes to the possibility of staying in Los Angeles, there are plenty of reasons to make sure he sticks around.

 

[bubbaramfan]

#3 is huge. Watkins not having OTA's or TC is the main reason he didn't have big numbers during the regular season.

If he stays he's going to be a beast for the Rams.

If he goes, the Rams are back to looking for a #1 WR and will not save much if they do find one as good a Sammy.

Bad as I hate paying these huge saleries, I think they better keep what they know and not start over.

 

[snackdaddy]

Tagging Watkins does make sense. They gave up a 2nd rounder for him. You don't want to end up losing both. Watkins gets a full year of OTA's and camp to show why he should be a number one and we still have a quality receiver that defenses have to account for in a season where we realistically think we can make a deep playoff run.

 

[dieterbrock]

Tagging Watkins does make sense. They gave up a 2nd rounder for him. You don't want to end up losing both. Watkins gets a full year of OTA's and camp to show why he should be a number one and we still have a quality receiver that defenses have to account for in a season where we realistically think we can make a deep playoff run.

I see this theory posted and don’t understand it. The 2nd rounder is a sunk cost at this point and is irrelevant. If Watkins proved to the Rams he’s worth it, then by all means tag him. If he hasn’t? Why compound it by drastically overpaying him, thus costing us another player or two with salary spend?

 

[pmil66]

Rams have 45 million in cap space, spend 30 of that to retain Tru and Sammy. 15 million apiece. Cut Barron, use his 7 million in cap savings to replace him. Resign Davis for FS, draft his backup/potential replacement in round 3 or 4. Draft a slot CB to replace NRC in round 3. Move Quinn for a 3rd rounder, if not keep him. Webster may be able to be cut, saving another 3 million. Tavon is cut, another 3 million saved. Trade down from 23, unless a top 15 player falls to them, pick up another 3rd rounder.

 

[Merlin]

#3 is huge. Watkins not having OTA's or TC is the main reason he didn't have big numbers during the regular season.

If he stays he's going to be a beast for the Rams.

If he goes, the Rams are back to looking for a #1 WR and will not save much if they do find one as good a Sammy.

Bad as I hate paying these huge saleries, I think they better keep what they know and not start over.

This is where I'm at. Rams might suprise us by keeping someone, like Quinn or Barron, but they're going to clear space and the offense will improve with him returning next year. Only need at that point is a depth OL to help offset 2019 FAs.

Then go defense in this draft. Or so I hope.

 

[Ramstien]

This is where I'm at. Rams might suprise us by keeping someone, like Quinn or Barron, but they're going to clear space and the offense will improve with him returning next year. Only need at that point is a depth OL to help offset 2019 FAs.

If they keep one of them I hope it is Barron.

 

[Zodi]

Rams have 45 million in cap space, spend 30 of that to retain Tru and Sammy. 15 million apiece. Cut Barron, use his 7 million in cap savings to replace him. Resign Davis for FS, draft his backup/potential replacement in round 3 or 4. Draft a slot CB to replace NRC in round 3. Move Quinn for a 3rd rounder, if not keep him. Webster may be able to be cut, saving another 3 million. Tavon is cut, another 3 million saved. Trade down from 23, unless a top 15 player falls to them, pick up another 3rd rounder.

You'd keep Quinn over Joyner?

 

[pmil66]

You'd keep Quinn over Joyner?

Yes, can find a safety to replace Joyner easier than a pass rusher to replace Quinn. Would trade Quinn for a 3rd rounder if a team offer it, and replace him with that pick.

 

[RhodyRams]

Rams have 45 million in cap space, spend 30 of that to retain Tru and Sammy. 15 million apiece. Cut Barron, use his 7 million in cap savings to replace him. Resign Davis for FS, draft his backup/potential replacement in round 3 or 4. Draft a slot CB to replace NRC in round 3. Move Quinn for a 3rd rounder, if not keep him. Webster may be able to be cut, saving another 3 million. Tavon is cut, another 3 million saved. Trade down from 23, unless a top 15 player falls to them, pick up another 3rd rounder.

what about Aaron Donald?

 

[pmil66]

what about Aaron Donald?

Well, Stan does spend the Cap, should have 15 million or so left after signing draft picks. Donald is on the books for 7 as of now. Have the Franchise Tag in my back pocket too for Donald.

 

[So Ram]

I'll take Watkins....

If he ever gets his head put on straight.Talk about a WR who plays softy& quits on his routes

I believe he has amazing talent, but looking at the lack of a 2nd rd pick is expensive if he is not franchised.

Tavon Austin needs to be let loose.

I do see a lot of WR’s on The Rams roster.

 

[nighttrain]

Watkins had one play that he was called out on, one is all i'm pretty sure
train

 

[snackdaddy]

I see this theory posted and don’t understand it. The 2nd rounder is a sunk cost at this point and is irrelevant. If Watkins proved to the Rams he’s worth it, then by all means tag him. If he hasn’t? Why compound it by drastically overpaying him, thus costing us another player or two with salary spend?

The way I see it, its a one year deal. If he doesn't live up to it you move on next year. But if you commit to long term deal and he's not a good fit it hurts you more in the long run. In the meantime you have a full offseason and camp to see if you can make him fit a little better. Only so many targets to go around.

Kupp's only going to get better. McVay would love to incorporate the TE's more. Everett should see more targets. Maybe Higbee too. Woods has been the go to guy. Then there's Gurley. They can afford the cap hit this season. They'll have even more the following season if Watkins does turn out to be that elite playmaker.

 

[nighttrain]

i want to see more of Kupp, Woods, and Watkins. Killer receiving corps
train