Chiefs Should've Traded Sammy Watkins and Replaced Him in Draft Instead of Restructuring His Deal

The Kansas City Chiefs clearly entered this offseason with the intention of returning almost all of Patrick Mahomes' weapons on offense. However, we don't necessarily agree with the team's latest move.

On Friday morning, NFL insider Terez Paylor confirmed that the Chiefs restructured the contract of wide receiver Sammy Watkins. The new deal is reportedly worth $9 million for the 2020 season, and can reach $16 million if certain incentives are reached.

The transaction will generate $5 million in cap space for Kansas City, a team that was firmly at the limit of available room beforehand.

The Chiefs absolutely needed to do something with Watkins' monster $20 million cap hit for next season. But wouldn't it have been simpler to just trade him and replace him in this year's draft?

As much as Watkins has produced in the playoffs over the last two campaigns -- he's posted 24 receptions for 464 yards and one touchdown in five games -- he's largely invisible during the regular season.

With the No. 32 overall pick, KC easily could have drafted an elite WR. Maybe not a Jerry Jeudy or a CeeDee Lamb, but possibly somebody like Jalen Reagor or Denzel Mims. This wideout draft is remarkably deep.

Re-signing Watkins might look good on paper, but acquiring a mid- or late-round draft pick in return for him, a player that's yet to log 700 yards in a single season with Mahomes throwing his way, would have made more sense here.

Especially since their job of clearing space is far from done.