Tag: Sammy Watkins

12 wide receivers the Vikings can sign after releasing Adam Thielen

The Minnesota Vikings have officially released Adam Thielen. @TheKevinFielder and @TheRealForno identified 11 possible free agent WR targets

The Adam Thielen era is over in Minnesota.

On Friday, the Minnesota Vikings announced that they released Thielen, ending a nine-year relationship.

During that time, Thielen blossomed into one of the better wide receivers in the league. In 2017 and 2018, he was a Pro Bowler, reaching over 1,000 yards in both seasons.

The move saves the Vikings $6.417 million against the cap but does incur a hefty dead-cap penalty. Regardless, Thielen’s release helps the Vikings become cap compliant and opens up more possibilities to upgrade the team in free agency.

While replacing Thielen’s status off-the-field won’t be easy, here are 11 players the Vikings can sign to help replace his production on it.

Ravens 2022 season-in-review: Wide receivers

We look at the play of the Ravens’ wide receivers in 2022

The Baltimore Ravens moved their top receiver in Marquise Brown in a draft day trade before the 2022 season, and felt the aftershocks of their decision all year long. Despite trusting their young players at the position, Baltimore never quite recovered Brown’s production from any of their wideouts this season and has a clear need for a legitimate number-one option heading into the offseason.

Their most productive receiver this year was former Kansas City Chiefs wideout Demarcus Robinson, who led the Ravens at the position with 458 yards and two touchdowns. Third-year speedster Devin Duvernay was selected to the Pro Bowl as a return specialist, but also took steps as a pass catcher, hauling in 37 passes for 407 yards on the year. Behind him, no other Ravens receiver eclipsed the 300-yard mark in 2022, including veterans Sammy Watkins and DeSean Jackson who combined for less than 275 yards between them.

Second-year wideout Rashod Bateman seemed primed to put together a promising performance after a fast start, but saw his season cut short due to a foot injury. Though he only played in six games, Bateman managed to end the year with 285 yards on 15 catches, which was good for Baltimore’s highest mark for yards per reception at 19.0.

The last three Ravens receivers to see the field in 2022 made a minimal impact for the team. James Proche II and Tylan Wallace combined for 12 catches and 95 yards in the campaign, and Andy Isabella, who appeared in limited fashion as a practice squad call-up, did not register a catch.

All in all, this group will need to improve in 2023 to give Baltimore’s quarterback viable targets downfield. If Lamar Jackson returns to the Ravens on a long term deal, efforts should start in earnest to get the necessary talent around him to compete at a high level in the loaded AFC.

Fantasy football waiver wire Week 17: WR Drake London calling

Check out these guys if you’re in a bind.

The NFL is starting to wind down its 2022 season, but your fantasy football playoffs rage on.

Are you someone who is in shock over running back Derrick Henry going on the injury list? Are you trying to figure out what to do with quarterback Lamar Jackson still on the sideline?

Have no fear. We here at For the Win want you to thrive in your fantasy playoffs, unless you’re playing one of us. In that case, disregard any of the information you read here and go about your day.

If you need some valuable waiver wire insight, check out the guys below who might help you will your way over the finish line.

Ravens plan on WR Sammy Watkins playing in Week 16 vs. Falcons

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh discussed the status of wide receiver Sammy Watkins for their Week 16 game vs. the Falcons

The Baltimore Ravens claimed wide receiver Sammy Watkins off waivers on Tuesday after being let go by the Green Bay Packers on Monday.  The waiver claim by the Ravens was important, as fellow wide receiver Devin Duvernay was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked after Thursday’s practice if Watkins could be an option on Saturday in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons. Harbaugh said that the team plans for Watkins to play, where he will be a much needed option at the position.

“I do, I do. We’re planning on playing him. He looks great. There was some familiarity with the offense, and I’m really, really happy and excited to have him.”

Having Watkins back on the team is significant because he already knows most of the offensive playbook, so he should be able to step in and make an impact. The wide receivers need a boost after losing both Duvernay and Rashod Bateman for the season, and Watkins could be that player.

Former Bills WR Sammy Watkins is picked up by Ravens

Former #Bills WR Sammy Watkins is picked up by #Ravens:

Sammy Watkins has a new home.

On Monday, the former first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills from 2014 was released by the Green Bay Packers.

According to Packers Wire, younger wideouts on Green Bay’s roster getting healthy was a reason for Watkins’ release.

Due to the nature of his status, Watkins was subject to waivers. He was claimed.

On Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens announced that they picked up the 29-year-old. Their reasoning was also injury related.

Earlier this same day, the Ravens placed starting receiver Devin Duvernay on injured reserve according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Watkins is no stranger to Baltimore. He caught 27 passes for 394 yards and a touchdown for the Ravens in 2021.

This past spring, Watkins signed a one-year deal to join the Packers. He only caught 13 passes for 206 yards and zero touchdowns over nine games with the Pack. He had not caught a pass since Week 10, playing in only 11 total snaps on offense over the last two games.

At the 2014 NFL draft, the Bills traded all the way to the fourth-overall pick to take Watkins. After the team hired head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane, that duo wanted a shake up.

Amongst the moves made to do just that was to deal Watkins to the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 in a blockbuster trade.

In Week 8 this year, the Packers visited the Bills. Watkins played against the team that drafted him for the first time in his career. Despite playing 79 percent of snaps that outing, Watkins only made one catch on one target for three yards.

Currently in fifth place in the AFC, there is a chance that Watkins and the Ravens get a chance to see his former team again in the postseason. That remains to be seen.

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Ravens claim WR Sammy Watkins off waivers from Packers

Sammy Watkins, who was released by the Packers on Monday, is headed back to Baltimore. The Ravens claimed the veteran WR off waivers on Tuesday.

The Green Bay Packers got healthy at wide receiver and no longer needed veteran Sammy Watkins, who was released on Monday in what coach Matt LaFleur described as a “tough decision.” The Baltimore Ravens are hurting at wide receiver and needed veteran help, so the AFC playoff hopeful claimed Watkins off of waivers from the Packers on Tuesday.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network first reported the news.

Watkins, 29, caught 13 passes over nine games in Green Bay. He signed with the Packers this offseason after playing 14 games and catching 27 passes for the Ravens in 2021.

Despite a strong start, Watkins missed four games with a hamstring injury and never regained his footing in the Packers offense after returning. He played just 11 snaps over the last two games and was released before the Packers hosted the Rams on Monday night.

While the Packers move on with Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb and rookies Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure at wide receiver, Watkins will get new life in the AFC.

The Ravens are already without Rashod Bateman, who is on injured reserve, and starter Devin Duvernay is now dealing with an injury, opening an opportunity for Watkins to contribute right away in Baltimore.

The Packers are 6-8 and fighting for playoff life, but the Ravens are 9-5 and in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot in the AFC.

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Packers coach Matt LaFleur explains decision to release WR Sammy Watkins

The Packers’ need for Patrick Taylor as the No. 3 running back and the improved health situation of the wide receiver position meant a tough decision had to be made on Sammy Watkins.

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said the need to bring up running back Patrick Taylor from the practice squad led to the team’s decision to release veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins before Monday night’s matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.

LaFleur didn’t appear particularly happy about the decision but understood the mechanics behind the roster move.

“That’s one of the things that’s not cool about this business,” LaFleur said following the Packers’ 24-12 win. “You have to make some tough decisions. He’s a guy that (everyone in Green Bay) has a lot of respect for and love for Sammy Watkins. Certainly wasn’t fired up about the timing of it, but it was one of those deals where, you know, we had to get Patrick Taylor up as the third back, and he was out of elevations. It was a tough decision.”

In need of Taylor as the third option behind Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon and without a gameday elevation available, the Packers had to find a roster spot to clear, and wide receiver made the most sense given the improving health situation.

Watkins was the odd man out as rookie Romeo Doubs returned from an ankle injury after missing four games. With Doubs back, the Packers had their top four receivers available and dwindling opportunities available for Watkins, who played only 11 snaps over the last two games and hadn’t made a catch since Week 10.

The decision meant Watkins was out in Green Bay after 13 catches in nine games.

“I can’t thank him enough for the type of person he is, the type of energy he brought to this team,” LaFleur said.

Watkins, who was attempting to revive his career in Green Bay in 2022, caught six passes for 111 yards during the first two weeks but suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out four games and set him back significantly.

He wasn’t the same player after returning. Between Weeks 7-13, Watkins caught seven passes on 15 targets for 95 yards.

“I think it started off pretty good for him to start the season, and then he had the injury and it fell off from there,” LaFleur said. “It’s tough. I don’t like it. But it is what it is.”

Overall, Watkins played 279 snaps from scrimmage for the Packers.

Aaron Rodgers said he believes the Packers can play winning football with Doubs, Christian Watson, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb as the top four receivers. The quartet combined to catch 13 passes for 140 yards from Rodgers during Monday night’s win over the Rams.

The Packers ended up needing Taylor, who was active and rushed four times for 15 yards over nine snaps. He also played five snaps on special teams. Dillon left the game to be evaluated for a concussion, and Jones was dealing with injury throughout the game, leaving Taylor to handle a few carries in the fourth quarter.

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Packers release former Bills WR Sammy Watkins after only 13 catches

#Packers release former #Bills WR Sammy Watkins after only 13 catches:

Former Buffalo Bills receiver Sammy Watkins is on the hunt for a new NFL team once again.

On Monday, Watkins was released by the Green Bay Packers.

According to Packers Wire, younger wideouts on Green Bay’s roster getting healthy is a reason for Watkins’ release.

Watkins, who signed a one-year deal to join the Packers, caught 13 passes for 206 yards and zero touchdowns over nine games in 2022. He had not caught a pass since Week 10, playing in only 11 total snaps on offense over the last two games.

The 29-year-old missed four games due to a hamstring injury this season, another reason for his lack of productivity.

At the 2014 NFL draft, the Bills traded all the way to the fourth-overall pick to take Watkins. After the team hired head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane, that duo wanted a shake up.

Amongst the moves made to do just that was to deal Watkins to the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 in a blockbuster trade.

In Week 8 this year, the Packers visited the Bills. Watkins played against the team that drafted him for the first time in his career. Despite playing 79 percent of snaps that outing, Watkins only made one catch on one target for three yards.

But ahead of the game, Watkins said positive things about the team that drafted him.

Watkins will go on waivers and can be claimed by any team on Tuesday.

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Titans should put in claim for veteran WR Sammy Watkins

With what the Titans have going on at wide receiver, it wouldn’t hurt to put in a claim for Sammy Watkins.

Desperate times call for desperate measures — it’s no secret that the injury-plagued Tennessee Titans need to explore all options at the wide receiver position.

This is why it would be wise for the Titans to kick the tires on veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins now that he’s been waived by the Green Bay Packers.

Of course, the Titans wouldn’t be guaranteed to land Watkins should they put in a claim, but it’s realistic to think that could happen.

Watkins got off to a strong start this season, totaling a combined 111 receiving yards on six catches over his first two games, including a 55-yard reception to help secure the Packers’ Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears.

However, since then, he suffered another hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games from Weeks 3-6. Watkins eventually returned in Week 7, but he’s struggled to make any meaningful impact since then.

The Clemson product has accounted for just 95 receiving yards over his last eight games, hasn’t caught a pass since Week 10, and he hasn’t seen a single target thrown his way since Week 11.

Needless to say, it’s wishful thinking to believe Watkins can provide any boost to the offense, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt to try.

While the Titans are strapped for cash, landing Watkins would only cost them $186,667 the rest of the way, plus an additional $19,411.67 per game that he’s active. The veteran hits free agency in 2023.

Only time will tell whether or not the Titans put a claim in for the services of the veteran wideout on Tuesday, but with what the team has going on at wide receiver currently, it makes sense to.

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Packers sign RB Patrick Taylor to 53-man roster for third time in 2022

For the third time this season, the Packers signed RB Patrick Taylor to the 53-man roster from the practice squad.

For the third time during the 2022 regular season, the Green Bay Packers have signed running back Patrick Taylor from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

His latest activation came Monday as the Packers signed Taylor to take the roster spot of wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who was released. The second-year running back will be available for the Packers on Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams.

Taylor, an undrafted free agent out of Memphis, has gone through an up-and-down season in terms of status. He’s been released three times, signed to the practice squad three times, elevated to the gameday roster three times and signed to the 53-man roster three times.

Most recently, the Packers elevated Taylor for Week 13 against the Bears.

Appearing in 10 games, Taylor has played seven offensive snaps and 96 on special teams in 2022. He has carried one time for six yards (one first down) and made two special teams tackles.

Taylor will serve as the No. 3 running back behind Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.

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