The Chiefs Are in a Tough Spot With Sammy Watkins' Contract Situation
By Brady Williams
The Kansas City Chiefs can rest on their laurels after an electrifying fourth-quarter comeback to win Super Bowl LIV, but sustaining their success will be a difficult task over the next few years, and the salary cap is to blame. And at the forefront of the Chiefs' financial dilemma right now is wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
Watkins is under contract for the 2020 season, but keeping him would result in a $21 million cap hit. With the sheer volume of talent on the Kansas City roster that needs to be locked down for the future, that could prove to be a bit too costly for comfort.
The #Chiefs have to slash salary. Lots of talk here in Indy they could try to trade some players to at least get some value back. https://t.co/SlQLi7RSSZ
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 27, 2020
In this past season, Watkins caught for 673 yards and only three touchdowns. He's a talented player, but with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, you don't necessarily need to break the bank for wideout talent. Andy Reid and Co. will need to proceed carefully here.
Chiefs GM Brett Veach said he wants Sammy Watkins back. Will have meetings with his reps this week and hopefully can bridge a gap in a way to see if they can work something out.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) February 25, 2020
Speaking of Mahomes, the Chiefs still have their star quarterback on his rookie contract. He's completed three years in the league, which opens him up for an extension, and when it's time to pay Patrick Mahomes, you gotta pay Patrick Mahomes, period. He's the best quarterback in the National Football League and the Super Bowl MVP, so there's no reason he shouldn't be paid accordingly.
With that reality comes inevitable cap casualties elsewhere.
Watkins is a valuable player with a lot of upside. However, he might have to get the ax to save space for the best player on the team in due time.