Sammy Watkins on impending free agency: 'I'm looking forward to staying'

[MadGoat]

http://theramswire.usatoday.com/201...-rams-sammy-watkins-free-agent-contract-2018/

http://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/la-sp-falcons-rams-watkins-20180102-story.html

I was surprised this wasn't posted here already. I searched and didn't see it (sorry if I missed it).

“I love it here,” Watkins told the L.A. Times. “I don’t want to change teams. That’s not what a guy of my stature wants to do, bounce around. I’ve got a family so I’m looking forward to staying. But you know it’s a business.”

 

[kurtfaulk]

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as soon as he brought out the "you know it's a business" you know he's going to the highest bidder.

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[Ellard80]

Well.... he would be dumb to take a huge pay cut to stay here... sure we all want to win.

But our future and our families future is more important... especially when you are young.

It's not so simple.

 

[Corbin]

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as soon as he brought out the "you know it's a business" you know he's going to the highest bidder.

.

I'm not so sure about that dude.Thinking that is a more general statement in that he might not make an offer for him or he's below a fair market value for him. I've read his comments in other articles where he states it's loves the location, team, atmosphere, potential, and you don't usually get the top tier stuff at organizations like that.

I have a feeling he won't be asking for top tier money but will settle for what's good for both parties.

 

[Merlin]

I think they get him locked up. Expect a multi year deal with a 14M hit, somewhere round there. Honestly I don't think he's an expert yet in this offense, so he might have a hell of a season next year if he sticks around. Dude has to be tired of losing, stick with the team you know is stacked.

Rams going to deal out a LOT of cashish this offseason man.

 

[fearsomefour]

I think they get him locked up. Expect a multi year deal with a 14M hit, somewhere round there. Honestly I don't think he's an expert yet in this offense, so he might have a hell of a season next year if he sticks around. Dude has to be tired of losing, stick with the team you know is stacked.

Rams going to deal out a LOT of cashish this offseason man.

Pass on that.

 

[Merlin]

Pass on that.

Not long ago I agreed with you. But they need him and the cap hit for a multi year deal is preferable to franchising him to keep him around. Kevin Demoff will frontload it, and the subtraction of Tavon helps it equalize in year one.

If not, then they can add WR to the litany of needs they have defensively in a draft where they don't have a round 2 pick. I want the defense to get some young impact players.

 

[bubbaramfan]

Rams offense will suffer if Watkins moves on. A full offseason, OTA's, TC and pre-season that he didn't have coming to the Rams will make a huge difference in his production next season. Watkins runs great routes, catches the ball,stretches the field and is a willing blocker. McVay has gotten him to buy in to his approach to the game and become more of a team player. Rams aren't going to find another vet WR of Watkins caliber to replace him. There just aren't that many WR's out there who can do all he does. It will cost them and they will pay if they want to stay playoff calibur.
Watkins has all the potential to have a monster year next year.

 

[Memento]

I hope he stays. I really do. I think that he's become a lot more of a team player under McVay, and he's a hell of a receiver.

 

[Psycho_X]

I think the Rams will focus on AD, Joyner, Sullivan, and maybe Tru if he gets a little less demanding and will use the transition or possibly franchise tag on Watkins if his agent comes out swinging for the fences. It'll give them a chance to watch him for one season with an entire training camp with us before committing long term to him. And will keep our WR group together for one more season. I really hope he stays because I just have a feeling he would explode in year 2 with us.

 

[kurtfaulk]

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watkins will be the franchise tag target if they can't work out a deal. they're not letting him walk after giving up a 2nd rounder for him.

.

 

[Merlin]

I think the Rams will focus on AD, Joyner, Sullivan, and maybe Tru if he gets a little less demanding and will use the transition or possibly franchise tag on Watkins if his agent comes out swinging for the fences. It'll give them a chance to watch him for one season with an entire training camp with us before committing long term to him. And will keep our WR group together for one more season. I really hope he stays because I just have a feeling he would explode in year 2 with us.

I agree on the franchise tag being the backup plan for Watkins. It's pricier than just signing him in terms of cap impact, but buys them time in worst case scenario.

 

[Jacobarch]

Seems like he wants to stay and thats big. Winning is always a good bargaining chip.

 

[LesBaker]

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as soon as he brought out the "you know it's a business" you know he's going to the highest bidder.

.

But that could also mean he knows that the Rams may say "Sammy go to the market, it's been a great year with you but we are heading in a different direction."

We never know.

 

[CGI_Ram]

We need to keep Sammy and it seems like we should be able to find a contract that works for both.

Some dollars will free up from Austin, either his release or dramatic restructure.

The draft can then be more focused on the defense, where it feels we'll need it.

 

[kurtfaulk]

But that could also mean he knows that the Rams may say "Sammy go to the market, it's been a great year with you but we are heading in a different direction."

We never know.

true that.

but why would they? we've only seen the tip of the iceberg with sammy in this offense.

if they can't agree on a figure i'm betting the rams franchise tag him.

.

 

[TexasRam]

Well.... he would be dumb to take a huge pay cut to stay here... sure we all want to win.

But our future and our families future is more important... especially when you are young.

It's not so simple.

I think it depends on how much of a home discount they are asking. Playing with a top young offense under Mcvay and these character guys in the WR room along with not having the pressure to be a #1 guy may be enticing.

 

[LesBaker]

true that.

but why would they? we've only seen the tip of the iceberg with sammy in this offense.

if they can't agree on a figure i'm betting the rams franchise tag him.

.

It's a pretty big number to do that, but I think you are right.

 

[Billy Baroo]

After giving up a second rounder and Gaines, I have a strong feeling they will keep him. Most probably under approximate $15mil franchise tag. It would only be a few million for what he’s really worth imo and only for a year so not hindering future deals if production doesn’t equal pay.