Reports out of Buffalo today indicate that the Bills will not be picking up the fifth-year option for veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins. This announcement came in the eleventh hour as today was the very last day teams had to decide on the extended options for members of the 2014 draft class. The news makes Watkins a potential free agent heading into the off-season next year.
After getting drafted fourth overall, Watkins has had an up and down career and that's primarily due to injuries. His rookie season he played in all 16 games, then sat out three in 2015 and missed half the season last year. That's likely why Buffalo isn't picking up his option.
The Bears could be a suitor for Watkins considering their depth at the wide receiver position and the departure of Alshon Jeffery. Kevin White is unproven. Cameron Meredith is emerging but still raw. Kendall Wright needs to stay healthy. Markus Wheaton has never been anything more than a serviceable number two. The addition of a dynamic play-maker like Watkins could be the perfect ingredient to mix with White.... assuming both of them can stay healthy. Pace has made it a point to bring more speed, and youth, to the Bears and Watkins checks both of those boxes if, again, he stays healthy. Considering the one-year contract for Wright, Watkins could easily be his replacement next year... and that would be considered an upgrade. Obviously this is looking a bit into the future, but Mitchell Trubisky is going to need help and Watkins will be sitting near the top of the 2018 wide receiver free agent market. Looks like something worth keeping an eye on. NOTE: The Bears declined to pick up Kyle Fuller's option, their 2014 first-round selection.
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