Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs GM open to bringing WR Sammy Watkins back

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Feb 2, 2021 7:44 PM ET

Earlier on Tuesday, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins said he felt "very optimistic" about facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Super Bowl LV on Sunday after missing back-to-back playoff games while dealing with a calf injury throughout January.

It's possible that could be the last time he suits up for the Chiefs.

Watkins is set to be out of contract following the Super Bowl, but Kansas City general manager Brett Veach seemed open to re-signing the 27-year-old when speaking with reporters:

Chiefs GM Brett Veach on the possibility of re-signing Sammy Watkins: "Sammy is a big part of this offense. When he’s healthy, we’re better. If there’s a way we can make it work again, we’ll certainly try to do that. I love having him around.'' pic.twitter.com/a6tri5bCBd
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) February 2, 2021

Watkins scored only twice during the regular season and recorded 37 receptions for 421 yards. Per Teicher, Watkins suggested when speaking with the media on Tuesday that he could sign at a discounted rate to remain with Kansas City and pursue another Super Bowl run.

"It would definitely be something to think about," Watkins explained. "It would definitely be something I would talk to my wife and my kids about, to think about coming back. Would I love a third ring? For sure.

"I would definitely not say no about it. ... To come back and win a third one? Yeah. I don't mind. I would definitely have to sit and think about it, see what my future holds."

Watkins' injury history is lengthy and could scare suitors off in free agency regardless of his asking price. Even if he tests the open market, he may be surprised and disappointed to learn what offers come his way before the NFL Draft.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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