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3 WRs Who Would Be Perfect Replacements for Sammy Watkins if He Leaves Chiefs

By Sean Facey

There are plenty of interesting wide receivers for the Chiefs to pursue.
There are plenty of interesting wide receivers for the Chiefs to pursue. / Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Sammy Watkins played an integral role on the Kansas City Chiefs' offense this year. He amassed 673 receiving yards and snagged three touchdowns in 14 games, and helped serve as a solid veteran presence during the team's Super Bowl run.

However, he owns a $21 million cap hit for next year, making a return unlikely. If the Chiefs do end up parting ways with him, then they have plenty of replacement options that would fill his shoes to a tee.

3. Tavon Austin

Another speed demon like Austin would make the Chiefs' receivers unstoppable.
Another speed demon like Austin would make the Chiefs' receivers unstoppable. / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Austin has played in a limited role with the Dallas Cowboys, but he's still a perfect fit for the Chiefs' system. He's one of the fastest players in the league, and while he might not rack up yards like most receivers available, he can blow by opponents every now and then for critical chunk plays. He'd form the perfect speed trio with Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman, and he'd give the Chiefs some more play-making ability.

2. Devin Funchess

Funchess is a massive target.
Funchess is a massive target. / Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Funchess is the ideal buy-low candidate for the Chiefs. He missed the vast majority of the 2019 season due to injury, but it's hard not to like what he brings to the table. Standing at 6-feet-4-inches and weighing in at 225 pounds, he gives the Chiefs even more size than what Watkins brought to the table. He'd be an ideal red zone threat for quarterback Patrick Mahomes to look for.

1. Demaryius Thomas

Thomas is the perfect veteran replacement.
Thomas is the perfect veteran replacement. / Michael Hickey/Getty Images

If the Chiefs are looking for someone to just be next year's version of Sammy Watkins, then Demaryius Thomas is their guy. With 10 NFL seasons and nearly 10,000 career receiving yards under his belt, Thomas is everything the Chiefs could hope to get out of a Watkins replacement. He's a durable pass-catcher with a proven track record, and he would almost certainly thrive under the offensive genius of Andy Reid.