Does the Buffalo Bills’ future include WR Sammy Watkins?
By Erik Smeal
As we all know by now, the Buffalo Bills declined to pick up the fifth-year option on Sammy Watkins. What does this mean for the future at wide receiver?
Many fans and media are shocked and even upset by the decision to decline the fifth-year option on Sammy Watkins, but I actually think it is a smart financial move. As the Buffalo Bills are moving on to a new GM and scouting staff, it could also trickle down to some of the players brought in by that staff.
While I like Watkins and believe he can be a top 5 talent at wide receiver, it’s hard to ignore his injury history.
On the financial side of things, if the Bills were to pick up the fifth-year option it would cost them in the $13 million range. That would still only buy the Bills one more year with Watkins under contract. Then the Bills would either have to place the franchise tag on Watkins or work out a long term deal that could average around $18 million a year.
Taking a look at the Buffalo Bills salary cap situation, they have roughly $10 million in cap space, that’s before signing the 2017 draft class. The Bills will need to start spending more wisely to get more room under the cap in the future. That could mean other players with big contracts leaving as Coach McDermott wishes to build his roster for the future.
The man responsible for these contracts, Jim Overdorf, could also be leaving soon if the new General Manager wishes to replace him. In my opinion, that should be the first move made by the new GM.
So if the Buffalo Bills decide to part ways with Watkins, how will the future at receiver look?
They started addressing that future by drafting one of the most productive receivers in NCAA history, Zay Jones. With 399 catches in his college career, he could be the Bills’ future #1 wide receiver.
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The Bills also brought in several receivers this off-season. Could any of these new acquisitions step up and become solid contributors? Let’s take a look at the depth chart at wide receiver.
Andre Holmes
Holmes was brought in during free agency from the Oakland Raiders. He was buried on the depth chart behind Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree and only had 14 receptions in each of the last two seasons.
At 6′ 4″ Holmes is a big target who could be effective in the red zone and on jump balls. I can see him surprising people this year and becoming a #2 or #3 receiver.
Philly Brown
A promising young speedster brought in via free agency from the Carolina Panthers looks to be a replacement for Marquis Goodwin. Brown could be a sneaky deep threat who could make some big plays if the attention is being focused on the other receivers.
Kolby Listenbee
After sitting out last season due to injury, Listenbee seems determined to make an impact on the field this year. He has decent size (6’1″) and also has the potential speed to make some plays downfield.
Corey Washington
Washington is another big target at 6’4″, giving Tyrod Taylor another potential red zone threat.
Jeremy Butler, Dezmin Lewis, Walter Powell and Brandon Tate round out the depth chart at wide receiver. Those players could make their impact starting on special teams but with a new coaching staff and offensive scheme, everyone has a chance to prove themselves.
There are many questions at the wide reciver position starting with Sammy Watkins. My hope is that he stays healthy and has a full and productive season.
If the Buffalo Bills decide to move on, they can use one of their two first round picks in 2018 on a receiver. One thing is for sure: everyone on the roster, especially wide receiver, will have the chance to compete for a spot on the depth chart.
Next: Who did the AFC East select in this year's NFL Draft?
What do you think of the situation with Sammy Watkins? Leave your thoughts below!