When the Buffalo Bills traded wide receiver Sammy Watkins to the Los Angeles Rams last August, the ability to re-sign the former fourth-overall pick was a big factor in making the deal. If the numbers on Watkins’ new deal are accurate, general manager Brandon Beane seems to have made a good decision if he didn’t love Watkins.
On the eve of the actual free agency period opening Wednesday, Ian Rapoport announced that the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms with Watkins on a three-year contract that will pay the talented wideout $48 million. Of that total, $30 million is guaranteed upon signing the deal.
Watkins had one of the best games of his career against the Chiefs when the Bills traveled to Arrowhead Stadium in 2015. Watkins caught 6 passes for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns, all of which came in the first half of a 30-22 loss.
With Watkins moving on from Los Angeles, the Rams are almost certain to receive a compensatory selection in the 2019 NFL Draft as a result. The final tally on the trade between Buffalo and Los Angeles won’t be official until E.J. Gaines, the cornerback sent to Buffalo in the deal, makes a decision on his playing address for this season. Gaines is likely to sign elsewhere, and Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle reports that the Houston Texans are very interested in signing the 25-year old. Watkins’ pick will be higher than Gaines’ because his contract will certainly be larger than the cornerback’s.
Losing Gaines would likely add a compensatory selection to Buffalo’s ledger for 2019, meaning that the “tale of the tape” on the trade would look like this:
RAMS RECEIVED:
- WR Sammy Watkins
- 2019 Compensatory Draft Selection
BILLS RECEIVED:
- CB E.J. Gaines
- 2018 NFL Draft Selection (#56 overall)
- 2019 Compensatory Draft Selection