Buffalo Bills Are Making a Mistake With Sammy Watkins
By Paul Taylor
A new report claims the Buffalo Bills have decided against picking up the fifth year option on Sammy Watkins’ contract, effectively making him a free agent after the 2017 season.
A couple of weeks ago, we referenced a report indicating the Buffalo Bills were undecided on what to do regarding Sammy Watkins‘ fifth year option. Now, it appears they have pretty much made their choice.
As per Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, the Bills are reportedly unlikely to pick up the fifth year on Watkins’ contract. According to Carucci, they are apparently uncomfortable using the option, while the wide receiver is still recovering from foot surgery.
Regardless, this comes as somewhat of a surprise, with most experts previously believing this was unlikely to happen. This belief was based around how much the 23-year old cost to obtain (two first round draft picks and a fourth to move up and draft him), his skill level and the team’s current lack of depth at the receiving position.
Now, it should be noted the Bills still have until May 2 to make an official decision. Further, even if they do go down the path indicated by Carucci, they can still sign Watkins to a contract extension or use the franchise tag on him, if he has a strong 2017 campaign.
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However — assuming the speculation is correct — it still seems strange that the Bills would decide against picking up the fifth year option at this stage. And this is despite the fifth year costing them $13.258 million and being guaranteed against injury.
That’s because the option does not come into effect until the start of the league year in March 2018. As previously noted by Sal Capaccio of WGR 550, the Bills could still withdraw their option to exercise and allow Watkins’ contract to expire.
With this in mind, why would the Bills apparently decide against picking up the option at this stage? Is this just a case of new head coach Sean McDermott flexing his muscle, with no concern about what happened prior to his arrival?
Or is it possible the Bills have obtained more information regarding the 2014 fourth overall draft pick’s current injury issues? He has already missed 11 games in the past two seasons, while also having two surgeries on the same foot.
Adding more intrigue to the situation, is the timing of the report from Carucci. The news broke not lon after the Bills drafted Zay Jones on Saturday.
Still, even this wouldn’t make sense, no matter how much talent Jones has. He is unproven in the NFL and is still only one addition to the Bills’ current weak receiving corps.
In fairness to McDermott, he claims the addition of Jones will have no influence on what the Bills do with Watkins. Speaking to Carucci and other members of the media, he said:
"“It doesn’t, it doesn’t at all. Sammy’s a good football player and these are two separate silos.”"
Of course, you could argue the Bills’ head coach has to say this. However, it will be intriguing to see how this plays out between now and May 2, for a player who is undoubtedly a top talent, but has so far been unable to stay healthy in the NFL.
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Assuming this latest report is true, what is your take? Do you believe the Bills are doing the right thing, or should they pick up Watkins’ fifth year option? Share your thoughts in the comments section.