Try as they might, the Baltimore Ravens have struggled to find a game-changing receiver to pair with MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Well, they’re apparently hoping Sammy Watkins can be that man, as the veteran receiver has agreed to a one-year deal with the Ravens, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.
Sammy Watkins to the Ravens – 1 year 6mil (5mil fully guaranteed), per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2021
An eighth-year player in 2021, Watkins has caught 321 passes for 4,665 yards and 33 scores over 86 games (82 starts). This past season with the Kansas City Chiefs, Watkins caught 37 passes for 421 yards and two scores in a loaded offense that included Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, which earned a 64.4 PFF grade.
Even with that limited production, Watkins was certainly expected to sign a more lucrative deal than $6 million for one season. He’s likely attempting to have a bounceback season that helps him land a much bigger deal in 2022 when the cap limit rises.
With Watkins now off the board, the market for receivers is pretty bare now. The Cincinnati Bengals showed interest in Kenny Golladay early on, but outside of him, there’s been little buzz that the team was interested in other receivers. Antonio Brown is still out there, but I don’t believe the Bengals have any interest.
Now that all of the other big-name receivers are off the board, the only way for the Bengals to add another impact receiver is through a trade or an early selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
LSU Tigers receiver Ja’Marr Chase may very well be there when the Bengals are on the clock with the fifth pick…