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Buffalo Bills Undecided on Sammy Watkins’ Future

By Paul Taylor

Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) throws his hands in the air after failing to make a catch against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) throws his hands in the air after failing to make a catch against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to a report by WGR 550, the Buffalo Bills are apparently unsure on whether to pick up the fifth year option on Sammy Watkins’ contract.

After a promising start to his professional career with the Buffalo Bills, Sammy Watkins took a step back last season. Limited to eight games by injury, he finished the 2016 campaign with just 28 catches, 430 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Interestingly, with doubt still surrounding the foot injury which resulted in two surgeries, the Bills are apparently wrestling with a looming decision regarding Watkins. As reported by WGR 550’s Sal Cappacio, the issue relates to the wide receiver’s contract.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Cappacio writes that the Bills are undecided on whether to pick up the fifth year option on the 23-year old’s rookie contract. With a deadline of May 2, the team will discuss the matter internally over the next two weeks.

As things stand, Watkins’ contract will count for $6.343 million against the salary cap in 2017. However, if the Bills decide to pick up his fifth year, this cap hit will jump up to around $13 million the following season.

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In theory, it should be a no-brainer to pick up the option, for a player who is the Bills’ only bona fide threat at the wide receiver position. With that said, the main sticking point relates to the fifth year being guaranteed against injury.

With this in mind, the Bills are nervous about committing to Watkins for an extra year. Over the past two seasons, his aforementioned injury issues have seen him miss 11 games.

In truth though, there’s little chance of the Bills not picking up the fifth year, even as the Fort Myers, Florida native recovers from his second surgery. Apart from his importance, the team can reduce the cap hit for 2018 by negotiating a long-term extension.

Further, the option does not come into effect until the start of the league year in March of 2018. As noted by Capaccio, the Bills could withdraw their option to exercise and allow Watkins’ contract to expire, if he does not perform on the field next season.

Overall, expect the Bills to pick up the option sometime between now and May 2. After that, it will be up to the 2014 fourth overall draft pick to prove his durability and secure his future in Buffalo.

Next: Bills' Top 10 1st Round Draft Picks of All Time

Taking everything into account, what do you believe the Bills should do with Watkins? Should they pick up his fifth year option or not, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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