Should the Rams re-sign Watkins?

[BonifayRam]

If I were asked to make this decision off the first half of this season It would be an easy decision to make ...have to say NO!

Salary cap issues would come into play here big. You certainly can not tag him it would be a serious waste of priceless cap $$$ & poor yield in returns. Sammy Watkins will demand big $$$ & he has yet to prove he is worth that kind of contract ....YET, we have another half of the season to go for that to change.

Rams also have invested big in the receivers the last 2 drafts. Rookie Josh Reynolds & 2nd season Mike Thomas have yet to break a good sweat yet & to see the field as a Ram deep threat. Robert Woods is our leading ball catcher & he is a dandy. Rookie Cooper Kupp is also yet to get heated up. Then there's YAC waiting to happen in 2nd season Pharo Copper who also makes Tavon Austin look like a WWC material PR after taking over for him.

Other investments in receivers @ the TE with 2nd season Tyler Higbee who is slowly improving week by week then the receiver who is oozing & dripping with all star ability in first 2017 draft pick Gerald Everett who just happens to led this divisional leading ball club with a near 25 yd average with each of his 8 catches. Those stats are eye-popping for a rookie TE. We yet to see what Temarrick Hemingway can do. There is a vast untapped talent yet to be utilized yet.

 

[Classic Rams]

Great pattern and catch yesterday but too early to think about re-signing.

 

[rams56]

Imho....I think I would resign him asap....because of a lack of injury we have not had to rely on any one receiver...but I believe Watkins has no.1 wr traits..... and if the injury bug bites us anytime in the near future. ...we could potentially lean on Sammy....and he could carry them for bit......just my thoughts....

Go Rams.........

 

[LACHAMP46]

Hell yea, gotta re-sign him....Or we just wasted:banghead: a 2nd round pick on a rental

 

[ramfan46]

I say yes. Guy has been wide open on a few deep routes, it just looks easy for him when he knows what to do. Cut Quinn and Tavon and get AD, Joyner and Watkins locked up long term!

 

[Jorgeh0605]

I can't see how this is a debate. Figure out a deal or tag him. I don't care about the 4th round draft picks we invested into other players, we invested a 2nd round pick into this receiver. This is a #1 receiver, we've needed one of those for a long time, now we have one and we shouldn't let him get away.

 

[MrRiceGuyRJ]

He's our number 1. Biggest talent, and biggest threat. He's our best option to take the top off of any defense. ANY DEFENSE. Opponents have to scheme for him which is the main reason all of our other targets are more open. If we can afford him (AD takes priority by far, maybe Joyner too), there's not a doubt in my mind.

 

[SteezyEndo]

I see Woods, and Watkins as the Bruce, Holt duo. They work well together, and that is something you don't want to break especially if its working. I am sure we can figure out something.

 

[Merlin]

Ask me around Week 17. I want to see what Sammy can do as he and Goff build chemistry and trust (and he gets a better grasp on the scheme).

This is where I'm at right now. We have a stretch run starting soon with some playoff-level defenses that lasts into December. If I'm Snead there is no hurry on the decision, wait until we get past the Vikes/Shehawks/Eagles games at least and then take a measured look at his production vs what his team is looking for.

IMO there's a high likelihood Watkins leaves in FA. My reasoning is he knows he isn't going to get focused touches in this offense unlike some others out there, his history of injury makes him risky, and he hasn't exactly lit it up just yet in this offense. But again by week 17 and maybe we should include the playoffs as well for that matter, we'll have a better idea of his value.

 

[12intheBox]

View: https://twitter.com/jb_long/status/927610579069501440

 

[Corbin]

I'd like to see how he plays the rest of the year.

Honestly that Seattle game pissed me off with his effort level on some of those plays. Maybe it was a off game. IDk.

 

[MrRiceGuyRJ]

I'd like to see how he plays the rest of the year.

Honestly that Seattle game ticked me off with his effort level on some of those plays. Maybe it was a off game. IDk.

I agree. Granted I'm also one of the people that wanted Woods head after his bonehead selfish moves that I think cost us during the Redskins game. But he proved me wrong. And I think Watkins has his best games ahead.

 

[TexasRam]

With all his talent Watkins still has work to be a consistent route runner which in our system and with Goff’s rhythm and anticipation strengths is very important.

Watkins may be huge for us down the stretch and in the playoff run. So let’s see just how good he is when the big lights come on.

As of right now our highest scoring offense in the NFL is not heavily dependent on Watkins. In fact it could be argued it’s less in synch with Watkins playing.

My first Priority is locking up Donald.

Second priority - Sullivan.

My next priority’s are signing Trumaine or another top free agent #1 CB and Robey Coleman.

Then Watkins comes into discussion if there is any money left.

 

[Riverumbbq]

Yes !

It's not just about Watson's personal stat sheet, it's also how he occupies the opposition and allows his fellow receivers to get open due to not being double teamed. Same goes with the opposition not playing in a stacked box and placing all the pressure on Gurley to find space to run, ... Watson contributes to the receiving and rushing game because opponents have to respect his ability to bust one everytime they don't. jmo.

 

[payote75]

Hey guys I say yes he hasn't been a diva and the smile on his face yesterday after woods scored I believe the short td seemed genuine ..like he seemed happy he may be willing to sacrifice some money to live in la and be a part of something much bigger it's not just about this year it can go beyond that. If he prices winning over all else then he will return if money and touches are what drives him then he will try and walk. But a question to someone who is good with cap stuff...how possible is it to sign Donald Sammy and Joyner and how does tru fit in? To me I believe this some core dudes rt there and eventually Gurley. So someone with cap knowledge please chime in and not to mention Rams will need to add a player or two especially a linebacker

 

[Riverumbbq]

But a question to someone who is good with cap stuff...how possible is it to sign Donald Sammy and Joyner and how does tru fit in? To me I believe this some core dudes rt there and eventually Gurley. So someone with cap knowledge please chime in and not to mention Rams will need to add a player or two especially a linebacker

Being we can only guess as to the 2018 Salary Cap, the potential new contracts for re-signed players, and any future CAP cuts of current players or signed free agents, this is all pretty much conjecture at this point in time, however there are some basics at play which you can work from.

As we sit today, the 2017 Salary Cap is $167 mil. For the last several years the annual salary cap rise has been near $10.mil per year, adjusted to the NFL's annual income. The Rams are currently just under the CAP by about $5.mil. which can be carried over into next season if we don't have to adjust due to injuries causing the necessity to pick up an additional replacement player, or should the team not find it necessary to make any further contract changes as we did with Alex Ogletree a few weeks back.
So to start, considering another $10.mil added to the overall 2018 Salary Cap along with a $5mil. rollover of unused Cap this season, the Rams could have as much as $182mil in overall available CAP to spend next year on current & future players. The Rams have contracts worth approximately $130mil. outstanding for signed players in 2018, including any dead money due. These figures would leave us about $52mil in spendable CAP space next season, although you should take into account a likely CAP hit close to $5.mil for the 2018 draft class to be signed, bringing the overall available CAP closer to $47.mil. The Rams will be picking lower in the draft than normal and we don't have a 2'nd round pick, so our draft class should be a little cheaper this time around.

If you want to take this another step further, in another thread, which many will disagree with, I picked 3 current players as potential CAP Casualty cuts for 2018, which will significantly raise available CAP next year. In that thread I cut Quinn, Westbrooks & Carrier, removing approximately $11mil., $1.75mil & $1.mil in CAP liability from the books for a total of $13.75mil in additional available CAP which would be allocated to the $47mil in available CAP mentioned above for a new grand total of $60.75 mil. now available.
I had previously posted these following players as my re-signed UFA's :

Sammy Watkins (5 years)
LaMarcus Joyner (4 years)
John Sullivan (2 years)
Nickell Robey-Coleman (3 years)
Dominique Easley (if healthy - 2 years)
Cody Davis (2 years)
Jake McQuaide (2 years)

Signing the above 7 players should be relatively easy considering our 2018 CAP situation, especially considering when the Rams tend to sign long-term players to front loaded contracts even where those contracts are more often than not cheaper in year 1 than years 2 & 3. This next year, other than Watkins & Joyner, I see no real need for longer term contracts for current UFA's. Some still worry over getting Aaron Donald under a new contract ASAP, although i'm not in that particular grouping just yet. Donald will be receiving his 5'th year option money next season and even as a potential 'franchise tagged' player in both 2019 & 2020, he's likely still less expensive than what he'll command as THE top NFL DE will desire before he agrees to an extension. jmo.

 

[den-the-coach]

Besides the speed, it was a great catch too. I worry about Watkins durability, however, one of the unsung hires by Sean McVay is Strength & Conditioning Coach Ted Rath, he's made a world of difference IMO and with the weather factored in as long as the Rams can keep Aaron Donald I'm all for keeping Watkins and drafting a CB in the first round to replace Johnson.

 

[PhillyRam]

I would not over pay him, hut would like to keep him. I think his presence certainly helps Woods and Kupp.

I think we are at a stage of keeping the best players and if that means Thomas is a wasted 6th rounder then who cares.

Also think that I would push to get Autin to renegotiate/take a pay cut. His presence is a factor. If he can reduce his cap number significantly then it might be worth it to keep him.

 

[PhillyRam]

BTW, I assume this has been mentioned here before, but I just realized it.... Are we going to only sign/aquire players in FA that start with a "W" again?

Last year it was; Woods, Whitworth, Webster, & Watkins. I thought it might be a case of McVay telling Snead he needs to add some W's with his FA additions and Snead took him literally.

 

[OldSchool]

Being we can only guess as to the 2018 Salary Cap, the potential new contracts for re-signed players, and any future CAP cuts of current players or signed free agents, this is all pretty much conjecture at this point in time, however there are some basics at play which you can work from.

As we sit today, the 2017 Salary Cap is $167 mil. For the last several years the annual salary cap rise has been near $10.mil per year, adjusted to the NFL's annual income. The Rams are currently just under the CAP by about $5.mil. which can be carried over into next season if we don't have to adjust due to injuries causing the necessity to pick up an additional replacement player, or should the team not find it necessary to make any further contract changes as we did with Alex Ogletree a few weeks back.
So to start, considering another $10.mil added to the overall 2018 Salary Cap along with a $5mil. rollover of unused Cap this season, the Rams could have as much as $182mil in overall available CAP to spend next year on current & future players. The Rams have contracts worth approximately $130mil. outstanding for signed players in 2018, including any dead money due. These figures would leave us about $52mil in spendable CAP space next season, although you should take into account a likely CAP hit close to $5.mil for the 2018 draft class to be signed, bringing the overall available CAP closer to $47.mil. The Rams will be picking lower in the draft than normal and we don't have a 2'nd round pick, so our draft class should be a little cheaper this time around.

If you want to take this another step further, in another thread, which many will disagree with, I picked 3 current players as potential CAP Casualty cuts for 2018, which will significantly raise available CAP next year. In that thread I cut Quinn, Westbrooks & Carrier, removing approximately $11mil., $1.75mil & $1.mil in CAP liability from the books for a total of $13.75mil in additional available CAP which would be allocated to the $47mil in available CAP mentioned above for a new grand total of $60.75 mil. now available.
I had previously posted these following players as my re-signed UFA's :

Sammy Watkins (5 years)
LaMarcus Joyner (4 years)
John Sullivan (2 years)
Nickell Robey-Coleman (3 years)
Dominique Easley (if healthy - 2 years)
Cody Davis (2 years)
Jake McQuaide (2 years)

Signing the above 7 players should be relatively easy considering our 2018 CAP situation, especially considering when the Rams tend to sign long-term players to front loaded contracts even where those contracts are more often than not cheaper in year 1 than years 2 & 3. This next year, other than Watkins & Joyner, I see no real need for longer term contracts for current UFA's. Some still worry over getting Aaron Donald under a new contract ASAP, although i'm not in that particular grouping just yet. Donald will be receiving his 5'th year option money next season and even as a potential 'franchise tagged' player in both 2019 & 2020, he's likely still less expensive than what he'll command as THE top NFL DE will desire before he agrees to an extension. jmo.

Very nice write up thank you! Personally if it's me I'm changing two things and that's not resigning Easley and Davis.

Easley has hardly been missed in his absence to injury and his money could be better spent elsewhere. We've seen good production from our current DE rotation and with a full compliment of picks, we have a full 7 picks just no 2nd or 7th but 3 6th's, we can add another Wade chosen DE in the draft.

Davis has been good for a long time and could be brought back but the price will be the issue. Love our long term prospects at safety with Joyner and Johnson. Again depth could be added in the draft for less money.

Sullivan is another interesting one hopefully he could be resigned cheaply because of his couple of injuries so far this year and his history. If not Blythe is signed for another year and has done well in relief and again a pick could be spent on it.

It's still very early and the focus obviously is on the last 8 games but it's still fun to think about these things.