Veteran WR Sammy Watkins visiting with Packers
The Green Bay Packers re-signed four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers to take the reins under center again in 2022 and beyond, but they lost a host a notable names from the wide receivers room this offseason as well. The biggest wideout to depart Wisconsin was of course All-Pro Davante Adams via a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Packers also said goodbye to burner Marquez Valdes-Scantling in March.
Green Bay may look at drafting a wide receiver or two in the upcoming NFL Draft, but the Packers first are reportedly hosting a veteran wide receiver on Thursday who has 34 touchdowns and over 5,000 receiving yards on his resumé.
Similar to Valdes-Scantling, Watkins has displayed top-notch speed on the gridiron but has had trouble staying healthy over the years. Watkins was selected fourth overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2014 NFL Draft, and he started and played in all 16 games for the only time thus far in his career during that season.
As a rookie, Watkins produced what are still career highs in targets (128) and receptions (65), while churning out 982 receiving yards and six scores through the air as well. Despite being limited to 13 contests in 2015, the Clemson product still registered 60 catches on 96 targets and career-best numbers in receiving yards (1,047) and receiving touchdowns (nine).
Watkins' final season in Western New York came in 2016, when he played in just eight games due to injury. He was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in August 2017 and spent one season with the NFC West club.
The 28-year-old signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2018 and earned a Super Bowl title during his second season with the organization. Watkins signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens in April 2021 and in 13 games finished with career lows across the board in targets (49), receptions (27), receiving yards (394) and receiving touchdowns (one).
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