Chicago Bears Free Agency: 5 potential cap casualties to sign
By Ryan Heckman
Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins, Kansas City Chiefs
Just a few days ago, wide receiver Sammy Watkins told media that if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl, he might hang up the cleats this year. Quite honestly, that type of thought doesn’t shock me as much as it might have a decade ago. With retiring younger becoming a trend, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Watkins go out like this.
But, if he elects to continue playing, he will count against the Chiefs’ cap with a hit of $14 million for the 2020 season. The Chiefs haven’t gotten as much out of him as they would like over the last couple of seasons. In two seasons with the Chiefs, Watkins has compiled 92 receptions for 1,192 yards and six touchdowns.
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Watkins only boasts one 1,000-yard season in his career, which was back in 2015 with the Buffalo Bills. Since then, he hasn’t topped 700 yards, nor has he played in all 16 games.
Still, at 6-foot-1 with great speed, Watkins would give the Bears an upgrade at receiver if they decided to part with Taylor Gabriel, who is due $5.5 million with a cap hit of $6.5 million. Should Watkins get cut, the Bears should definitely show interest. Bringing him in on a deal with an annual average of $6-$8 million would be a no-brainer — assuming his value has dropped significantly.