Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins Signs with Green Bay Packers

In an interesting move, the Green Bay Packers have signed veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins on a one year deal that could be worth up to $4 million. This signing comes on the heels of the Packers big trade where they dealt Davante Adams to the Raiders.

The Packers have lost their two highest targeted NFL wide receivers during this offseason and while they will likely draft someone with one of their two first round picks, the expectation is that Watkins will have an immediate role.

Watkins is an interesting player. He has moments where he looks great but hasn’t topped 1,000 yards since his sophomore season. Watkins jumped on the scene with the Buffalo Bills but injuries have haunted him in his next three teams. He’s only 28, so he isn’t super old, but his injuries have inhibited him to a point where it’s hard to count on him.

Regardless, Watkins is very talented and if he stays healthy, there is the potential he will be a key playmaker for Aaron Rodgers and co. This is not a long term deal, so if Watkins doesn’t pan out, it won’t be a big problem for Green Bay. Either way, they had to figure out a way to replace Adams’ production and while Watkins isn’t a clear answer, he could be a piece in figuring out their problem.

This signing didn’t change the Packer’s Super Bowl odds for next season and they still sit at +1100 with Bovada. At this current moment, that would be a bad bet. Due to Aaron Rodgers’ massive new contract, the Packers lost key contributors on defense and also had to trade Davante Adams. This team will be a clear step back from the Packers of last year and even then, the Packers weren’t able to win a single playoff game.

Overall, though, this signing is quite interesting. Watkins still has potential to be a good receiver and while his days of being an alpha receiver are over, he can still contribute to a great offense. The Packers needed to make some moves, and this looks like their first step to replacing Davante Adams.