Tag: Sammy Watkins

Packers waive veteran WR before matchup with Dolphins

He was once a first-round pick.

The Miami Dolphins have been tested by some really talented wide receivers in recent weeks, as they’ve faced Stefon Diggs, Mike Williams, Keenan Allen and Deebo Samuel in the last three games alone.

Heading into a Week 16 matchup against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, they’ll be tasked with slowing down rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs as well a veteran Allen Lazard.

One wideout that they won’t be seeing this weekend is Sammy Watkins, as Green Bay waived the wideout on Monday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Watkins had appeared in nine games this season, recording 13 receptions for 206 yards.

The trio of Watson, Lazard and Doubs will likely still be a test for Miami’s secondary that’s been hampered by injuries this season.

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Packers releasing WR Sammy Watkins after 13 catches in 9 games

The Packers are releasing WR Sammy Watkins after 13 catches in nine games in 2022, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

With the young receivers on the roster finally getting healthy, the Green Bay Packers are releasing a veteran signed this offseason to help bolster the depth in the post-Davante Adams era.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Packers will release wide receiver Sammy Watkins on Monday.

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. The veteran played 11 total snaps over the last two games and hasn’t caught a pass since Week 10.

Rookie Christian Watkins has emerged as a top playmaker for the Packers, and rookie Romeo Doubs is returning from a four-game injury absence. With Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb also factoring in, the Packers just don’t have any snaps available for a fading veteran receiver.

Watkins, 29, missed four games while on injured reserve with a hamstring injury during the first half of the season. He caught a pass in just six games and only once (Week 2 vs. Bears) went over 50 receiving yards.

Against the Bears in Week 13, Watkins played only seven snaps and wasn’t targeted. He also wasn’t targeted in Week 12 while playing just four snaps.

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

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Colorado gets commitment from 5-star WR Winston Watkins Jr., over 200 more recruits reach out

Watkins shared the news with an edit on Twitter.

Deion Sanders is shaking up the amateur football landscape, especially in the recruiting department. His decision to leave Jackson State and become the new head coach at Colorado has suddenly made the Buffaloes major players in the recruiting game.

On Sunday, five-star wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. (class of 2025) committed to Colorado. Watkins is the cousin of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who’s scored 34 touchdowns in 108 career NFL games and won a Super Bowl.

Watkins shared the news with an edit on Twitter:

Watkins (5-foot-10, 172 pounds) plays for IMG Academy in Florida, a magnet for elite high school football talent. He’s ranked No. 4 among wide receivers by the 247Sports composite and No. 13 overall in his class.

Watkins had offers from 17 other programs, including Texas A&M, which had been the favorite to land him.

If nothing else, Watkins won’t be lonely. According to a report by Josh Newberg at on3, Colorado has had over 200 recruits reach out since the Sanders news became official, including some four and five-star prospects.

Getting Watkins puts Colorado at the top of the ’25 recruiting rankings, but Sanders has inherited the No. 61 ranked recruiting class in 2023, and Colorado currently has no recruits for 2024.

However, Sanders is planning to bring over many of his former players from Jackson State and advised current Colorado players to enter the transfer portal.

For starters, Jackson’s son Shedeur will be starting at quarterback.

More recruiting stories

Ranking the top 100 recruits of 2023

Alabama increases ’23 lead, Georgia flips 4-star WR

Super 25

USA TODAY Sports Super 25 high school football rankings

What They Are Saying: Tigers in the NFL, Week 11

As is the case on a weekly basis, there was plenty of buzz about former Clemson standouts in Week 11 of the NFL season. Check out what they’re saying about some former Tigers in the league: . @teehiggins5 is putting on a show tonight in Pittsburgh‼️ …

As is the case on a weekly basis, there was plenty of buzz about former Clemson standouts in Week 11 of the NFL season.

Check out what they’re saying about some former Tigers in the league:

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Winston Watkins shares his perspective on Clemson amidst reopening his recruiting

2025 WR Winston Watkins Jr. announced on Friday that he would be decommitting from Texas A&M. The prospect out of Bradenton’s IMG Academy spoke to The Clemson Insider and shared why he reopened his recruiting and how his cousin, former Clemson …

2025 WR Winston Watkins Jr. announced on Friday that he would be decommitting from Texas A&M. The prospect out of Bradenton’s IMG Academy spoke to The Clemson Insider and shared why he reopened his recruiting and how his cousin, former Clemson phenom Sammy Watkins, is making a push for the him to consider Clemson.

The prospect shared why he decided to decommit from Texas A&M and ultimately reopen his recruitment.

“Trying to make sure I see all my options,” he said.

The high school sophomore, who tweeted “talk to me” to both Clemson wide receivers coach Tyler Grisham and his cousin Sammy Watkins, indicated to TCI that he wants Clemson to know that he is interested in what the program has to offer him.

“A decent amount trying to get that offer,” he said. “So then I could start being more interested to the Tigers.”

The Florida native, who went to a camp at Clemson last summer, shared that he has developed a good relationship with both coach Dabo Swinney and Grisham.

“It’s great, they are great people and love to get the best out of you.”

The prospect’s cousin, Sammy Watkins, has emphasized to the recruit that he needs to keep Clemson high on his priority list.

“He been trying get to slide to Clemson,” he said.

Watkins indicated that when he makes that final choice on a school, he will be looking for a program that is filled with coaches who are invested in maximizing his capabilities out on the field.

“Coaching and me getting to the best of my abilities,” he said.

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

What They Are Saying: Tigers in the NFL, Week 10

As usual there was plenty of buzz about former Clemson stars during Week 10 of the NFL season. Check out what they’re saying about some former Tigers in the league: Cold-blooded #JAXvsKC | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/VCAUvypY2E – Jacksonville Jaguars …

As usual there was plenty of buzz about former Clemson stars during Week 10 of the NFL season.

Check out what they’re saying about some former Tigers in the league:

–Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Xavier Thomas, Sammy Watkins, others react to Amari Rodgers getting cut

After former Clemson wide receiver Amari Rodgers was cut by the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, his release drew reactions from Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas, former Tiger and current Packers receiver Sammy Watkins, and others. Thomas, who was …

After former Clemson wide receiver Amari Rodgers was cut by the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday, his release drew reactions from Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas, former Tiger and current Packers receiver Sammy Watkins, and others.

Thomas, who was teammates with Rodgers at Clemson from 2018-20, took to Twitter with a comment about the Packers’ decision to let their 2021 third-round pick go.

“Gone regret that one..trust,” Thomas wrote. “He gone shine bigg whoever picks up this 🐶 !!”

As for Watkins, who signed a one-year deal with the Packers this past offseason and played at Clemson from 2011-13, he talked about the connection he shares with Rodgers and how tough it was for him to even look at a message that Rodgers sent to him and the other Green Bay receivers.

“One, that’s my guy. Just Clemson connection,” Watkins said, via WLUK-TV FOX 11 sports anchor/reporter Nicole Menner. “He sent me a heartfelt message, or video, and I haven’t even looked at it yet because I really don’t have the words to explain to him… That’s a guy that freakin’ works his behind off, and unfortunately, they cut him. In this league, it’s a production-based business. So, my heart’s out to him, and I hope he lifts himself up and a great team go find him and fit his needs.”

Packers receiver Randall Cobb, who was coached by Rodgers’ father, Tee Martin, when he was the receivers coach at Kentucky in 2010, also spoke about Rodgers being waived.

“I love the kid. He’s a great kid,” Cobb said, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. “He goes about things the right way. He prepares the right way. He put in the extra work, but this is a production-based business.”

You can watch Watkins, Cobb and other Packers receivers talk about Rodgers getting cut in the following tweet from Menner:

–Photo for this article courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!

Packers WR Sammy Watkins struggling since returning from injury

The 29-year-old WR has just four catches despite playing 130 snaps over the last three weeks.

He’s on the field out of pure necessity at this point, but Sammy Watkins has provided little in terms of value for the Green Bay Packers since returning from his hamstring injury.

Considering the Packers are 3-6 and headed for a lost season, it might be time – if possible – to start giving his snaps and targets to a younger player expected to be in Green Bay long-term.

Sunday’s disaster in Detroit highlighted his growing ineffectiveness: Watkins was on the field for 60 snaps, including 42 in the passing game, but the veteran receiver caught just one pass on five targets for nine yards. Pro Football Focus credited him with two drops, and he was completely out of position or not on the same page with quarterback Aaron Rodgers on two other incompletions.

An offseason addition made to add experience to an evolving receiver room that lost Davante Adams, Watkins impressed early, catching six passes for 111 yards during the first two weeks, including a 55-yarder to help the Packers clinch a win over the Chicago Bears in Week 2.

But another lower-body injury has taken its toll. Since coming off injured reserve in Week 7, Watkins has played 130 snaps and run 87 routes but made just four catches on 10 targets for 48 yards.

With the Packers in desperate need of playmaker in Buffalo, Watkins caught just one pass for three yards. And on Sunday in Detroit, Watkins was a legitimate dud despite facing one of the worst defenses in football.

The 29-year-old doesn’t run well anymore, isn’t a high-effort player down to down and now doesn’t look comfortable with the offense or the in-game adjustments made so often by the quarterback.

Although the Packers are spiraling as a team, the injuries at receiver – including now Romeo Doubs, who could miss several weeks – will make it difficult to phase out Watkins down the stretch. The position needs bodies, and Watkins, at least for the moment, is one of the few healthy options.

But every snap and target he gets from this point on will feel like a bit of a waste. He’s not a part of the solution now, and he won’t be a part of the rebuild or whatever is coming after the 2022 season.

The Packers thought Watkins had something left in the tank despite his lengthy injury history and declining production. Maybe, as he gets his legs back under him after a month’s absence, he’ll start to regain some explosiveness.

Or, instead of hoping a fading veteran turns it around, maybe the Packers will lean into their youth at receiver and let the likes of Doubs, Christian Watson, Amari Rodgers and Samori Toure play through mistakes and gain valuable experience down the stretch.

Given the state of this team, one path seems preferable to the other.

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Packers’ Sammy Watkins: ‘I’m excited’ to face Bills for first time

Sammy Watkins is still a huge… #Bills guy? That’s what the #Packers WR said ahead of facing BUF:

Sammy Watkins lives in Buffalo Bills lore.

Traded by the team in 2017 after new head coach Sean McDermott and the front office wanted a shake up, most don’t look back on Watkins fondly.

Many will put Watkins under a generalized umbrella of negative feeling due to injury issues. But in truth, Watkins might not fully deserve that stigma. No one means to get hurt.

As the story goes, the Bills traded two first-round picks for Watkins at the 2014 NFL draft. He had production with the team, including a 1,000-plus yard season in only 13 games played in 2015.

Eventually came that deal where he was shipped to the Los Angeles Rams for EJ Gaines and a draft pick.

Yes, Watkins did have some choice words in the time that followed. Those weren’t exactly pointed toward the region or fan base, though.

Kind of in an understandable fashion, he wasn’t happy with McDermott. Watkins said he was “scarred” that the coach and Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane did not trust him.

Would you feel any different? Probably not.

By now you might be saying something like “hold up, of course I would. I’m a Bills fan and he’s not.”

Wrong again.

Watkins openly had admitted prior to being taken by the Bills that he grew up a fan–Eric Moulds and Peerless Price were guys he knew.

Fast forward to today and Watkins is closing in on a special occasion. He’s now with the Green Bay Packers (3-4) and his team will travel to Buffalo for a Week 8 contest.

It’s going to be the first time he faces the Bills (5-1) since being traded.

Time has evidently healed a bit because Watkins discussed his feelings about facing Buffalo with reporters.

The guy has always seemed pretty straight forward. In doing so this week, he called the Bills still “his team” and the “best in the NFL right now.”

All in all, he said he’s excited for the big day.

For Watkins’ full thoughts on the Bills and upcoming game, see the attached YouTube player below:

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Sammy Watkins responds to Aaron Rodgers’ blunt comments

Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers made some blunt comments on The Pat McAfee Show this week, apparently throwing his teammates under the bus. Here’s what the future Hall of Famer had to say, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic: “Aaron …

Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers made some blunt comments on The Pat McAfee Show this week, apparently throwing his teammates under the bus.

Here’s what the future Hall of Famer had to say, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic:

“Aaron Rodgers says on @PatMcAfeeShow that the Packers are routinely making double-digit mental errors in games this season when, in past seasons, that number was, at most, seven.

“Guys who are making too many mistakes shouldn’t be playing. Gotta start cutting some reps.”

Former Clemson and current Packers wide receiver Sammy Watkins responded to Rodgers’ statement on Wednesday and seemed to be OK with what his quarterback said, saying he’s “with Aaron.”

Via Schneidman:

“Sammy Watkins on Aaron Rodgers’ @PatMcAfeeShow comments: “If you’re not performing or executing … then I’m with Aaron. If I’m not playing well and I’m freaking up and busting plays, get me out of the game because that’s not helping the team.”

The Packers are sitting at 3-4 on the season after an upset road loss to the Washington Commanders this past Sunday. They hit the road again this weekend for a huge challenge against the 5-1 Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football (8:20 p.m., NBC).

Watkins has eight receptions for 147 yards in three games played this season. He caught two passes for 36 yards against Washington, returning to the field after missing four games while being on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury.

–Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

Dear Old Clemson is excited to announce a limited edition football and poster signed by Clemson’s Avengers.

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out how you can help!