Buffalo Bills: Sammy Watkins wants a long term deal

Sammy Watkins is in a contact year and has stated that he wants a long-term deal.

Who doesn’t?

It is sometimes tough for players and coaches to perform under the cloud of a one-year contract. The uncertainty of being employed after the season is often unsettling. For players, contract years are sometimes when they have monster seasons because they have something to play for.

Money.

Sammy Watkins has missed 11 games in the past two seasons. He has one of the highest ceilings in the NFL because of the pro-bowl ability he has flashed at times in his first three years. The Buffalo Bills still aren’t sure if Watkins is deserving of a huge contract, and Sammy knows that. He won’t hold out because he knows he still has so much to prove.

Rotoworld.com wrote a headline on the topic:

"“”I want to earn it – I don’t want anything to be handed to me,” Watkins said. “My job is to go out there and earn it and play and stay healthy and that’s my goal this year.” The Bills declined Watkins’ 2018 option, but they have the franchise tag at their disposal next year if needed. Watkins is dripping with upside but his biggest obstacle is always the trainer’s table.”"

The Buffalo Bills added a play-maker, and also “Sammy Watkins insurance” in the second round of the draft with Zay Jones. The wide receiver depth chart would be barren without Watkins. It would leave us with Zay Jones, Andre Holmes, and potentially Anquan Boldin (I hope!).

One of my favorite quotes from Tom Moore is when Gruden asked him why he doesn’t let Peyton Manning’s backup get more reps. Tom Moore responded, “Fellas, if 18 goes down we’re f*****, and we don’t practice f*****.”

This is sort of the same situation with the Bills. Yes, you play more than one receiver, but if Sammy Watkins goes down this year, it will be hard to make a run. The Bills went 7-9 with Watkins playing eight games last season.

Sammy Watkins’ reps will be limited in training camp, just as a precaution. This was expected as the team attempts to keep him off the PUP list for the 2017-2018 season.

Sammy Watkins will stay healthy and will earn that contract this year.

Next: Buffalo Bills: Sammy Watkins avoids PUP list

How do you think Sammy Watkins will perform in 2017-18? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!