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The Kansas City Chiefs have a number of players slated to become free agents at the start of the new league year.
One of those players is WR Sammy Watkins, who first signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs back in 2018. He’s been the tertiary weapon in the Chiefs’ offense behind Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce since joining the team, but when he’s on the field, the offense has proven to be the most formidable and efficient version of itself.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach was asked to look ahead to the 2021 offseason. He’s hopeful that the team will be able to bring Watkins back.
“I hope so,” Veach said. “Like I said, every year is different and unique. Sammy’s done everything that Sammy has needed to do in regards to, you know why we brought him here. You saw the postseason he had his first year, and I think he played with almost a broken foot in that New England game at Arrowhead. And then what he did last year in the playoffs in the Tennessee game and the Super Bowl and hopefully what he’s going to do on Sunday. You’ve heard he’s trending upward.”
Availability has been the problem with Watkins throughout his career in Kansas City. He’s never played a full season in his three years with the Chiefs. This season alone he missed a number of regular-season games due to a hamstring injury. Then he missed the divisional round and AFC title game due to a calf injury that was reaggravated against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16.
“But Sammy is a big part of this offense,” Veach continued. “When he’s healthy, we’re better. If there’s a way we can make it work again, we’ll certainly try to do that. I love having him around and he’s a cool person to be around. You learn a lot from him, he has a different approach and a way about him that I find unique and kind of captivating at times. But listen, he’s a great player and we all know he’s had some injuries here and there, but when he’s on the field we’re better. If there’s any way to keep him here, we’ll certainly try to do that.”
And Watkins isn’t ruling out the possibility of a return either. At the end of the day, the outcome of Super Bowl LV might play a big factor in his decision.
“You never know,” Watkins told reporters. “I would say, let’s win this Super Bowl and see where my head be. I think I make better decisions when things are right. I think if we win the Super Bowl, it would definitely be something to think about and definitely be something to talk to my wife and kids and think about coming back, but you never know.”
Watkins’ mentality has since changed. He’s learned that he no longer has to be ‘the guy’ on offense like he was earlier in his career. He’s learned that the team goal, is more important than stats. Most importantly as it relates to the Chiefs bringing him back, he’s learned that your worth isn’t measured in money.
“Yeah, I want to have 1,000 yards and 12 TDs, but I also would trade that to be in the Super Bowl,” Watkins said. “I also would trade a little less money to be in the Super Bowl and be on one of the best teams to where I’m not going home and having depression problems or thinking like, ‘Man, I need to get 100 yards every game or score two times every game or I need more money.’ I’m in a situation where I’m at peace and understand that I don’t have to do it all.”
This offseason Watkins will have to decide if he wants to continue on with a winning squad or if he wants to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Right now, the Chiefs have interest in a reunion. Watkins seems to be flirting with the idea too, but the decision is far from final on either side.
“Would I love a third ring? For sure,” Watkins said. “I think it would definitely be something to think about as far as my future and what I want to do as far as coming back. I would definitely not put that out, say no about it. Me and my wife have talked about it many times and my family and my parents they’d be like, ‘Hey man, would you come back and win a third one?’ Yeah, I mean I don’t mind, but I definitely would have to sit there and think about it and go over with my kids and see what my future holds.”
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