Chicago Bears free-agent wide receivers to avoid: Sammy Watkins
Three years ago, the Bears were entering free agency with two primary wide receivers available to sign. Sammy Watkins and Allen Robinson were the names mentioned in regards to the Bears finding a true no. 1 wideout, and thankfully, Watkins signed in Kansas City first.
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That left Robinson for the Bears to sign, but now, Watkins will be available once again in free agency.
The Chiefs likely won’t bring him back, and the Bears shouldn’t be interested either. Over the last three seasons, Watkins has missed a total of 14 games. He never played a full season with the Chiefs. In fact, he hasn’t played a full 16 games since his rookie year with the Buffalo Bills.
When healthy, Watkins was once a force. In Buffalo, he looked explosive and like a guy who could break out as one of the budding stars in football. But, his health has prevented him from completely doing so.
Because he’s a former first-round pick and a guy who dominated the college game, Watkins may still end up getting overpaid. The team that chooses to sign him, though, cannot be the Bears. Mooney is a great second option, but Watkins is not a real no. 1 wideout, nor will he ever be.
Pace has to avoid finding a reclamation project in Watkins and move on to other options.