The Los Angeles Rams have been one of the most active teams in the league in the weeks leading up to the free agency period.Their moves thus far have been focused on acquiring additional talent on the defensive side of the ball.
What has been a bit overshadowed in this process is the pending free agency of star wide receiver Sammy Watkins. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Rams are reportedly working toward hammering out a new deal with Watkins before he hits the open market.
Sammy Watkins may end up doing a bridge contract similar to Robinson’s. We’ll see if he hits that $14M threshold, but the Rams are working actively to retain him, sources said, and Watkins is open to staying there. His injury history gives a lot of teams pause, but the overall paucity of high-end pass catchers available bodes well for him.
The 24-year-old is coming off his first campaign with the Rams where he hauled in 39 catches for 593 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Although it was a step down from what the team had expected from the Clemson product, he has shown the explosive playmaking ability down the field and was a viable red-zone target.
More importantly, he had also demonstrated that he was past his injury woes after playing in 15 games in the regular season. His only absence was in the in the season finale due to the team electing to rest its key players ahead of the playoffs.
If the Rams are unable to get a new deal worked out with Watkins, he will be one of the most attractive pass-catching options in free agency alongside former Pro Bowl wideout Allen Robinson. This could drive up the price tag toward as several teams will express their interest in acquiring him. Teams can begin contacting Watkins’ agent about potential contract negotiations after his deal officially expires on Monday at 4 p.m. EST.
