Report: Rams expected to franchise tag Sammy Watkins

[Riverumbbq]

I was early & eager to call for a Watkins re-signing, and feel that a 5 year, $50.mil contract with $25.mil-$30.mil guaranteed is justified, but I can't agree with his receiving the franchise tag, nor did I for Trumaine Johnson at the time. I don't know how much Josh Reynolds' development will play into the decision, perhaps none at all, but I might be convinced to try him rather than severely overpay at the position when we have so many others to get under contract as well as other depth problems to contend with. Rams brass shouldn't feel like they are entering these contract negotiations with a gun pointed at their head. jmo.

 

[dieterbrock]

These articles really pizz me off.
Its all a pile of rubbish.
Alden Gonzalez merely stated he thinks they should.
That's it

 

[yrba1]

Eh, would've rather signed a 1-2 year prove it deal at least. I just hope he'll be further integrated with this offense beyond the decoy, deep threat, and goal-line slant role. Goff needs to improve on his deep ball accuracy as well; looking back at the tape, will say Goff deserves some blame overthrowing deep balls.

 

[Jacobarch]

This is Alden's suggestion, I've yet to see a quote from Snead that he says or implies they're going to tag him.

Let the guessing begin!

I hate this time of year

 

[gabriel18]

He's not a true #1 to me. Watch Thomas for the Saints go after every ball like a true #1 should.

 

[TexasRam]

Zero chance in Happens.

 

[badnews]

Watkins isnt perfect and never has been.

That said.... WTF?!?

Lets quit pretending he is Kenny Britt, Ok?

EVERY wr drops passes.
When Kupp or Woods fucked up (Actually costing us games!)
ROD is like "Kupp/Woods is a gamer, not a problem."

Meanwhile Watkins has pretty fantastic hands, stayed healthy and blocked his ass off too.

Ya'll really think those 8TDs were just RZ gifts for Watkins ego?

Yeah the price is going to be steep for a guy like him. And we have a lot of important guys to resign, so I understand the concern.... but lets not pretend like he wasn't a big part of a great year.
He made the plays he was called on to make, no less than any other Rams receiver this year.

 

[CGI_Ram]

The argument FOR the franchise tag is a contract without financial commitment beyond 1yr to evaluate him more.

I don’t particularly like the idea. I’d rather sign him to a win win deal.

But, it’s an option that addresses some of the concern with his production in this offense.

 

[Corbin]

The limit is three years in a row but it's always 120% value of the previous years number. So Tru's salary for a third tag in a row would be $20,090,880. That's not going to happen lol.

Come on bro that's pretty reasonable!

 

[Farr Be It]

I'd love to see more effort from Sammy. If we had the SF game Sammy for 16 weeks, I'd say sign him 5 years 50 mil.
But he played 10 games like he should be a one year prove it for $3 mil.

I agree Jared needs to target him more, and that they need to get on the same page, too.

 

[badnews]

I swear, for some guys, as soon as the narrative is written, it gets chiseled in stone and that. is. that.

HERE LIES SAMMY WATKINS
Injury prone diva who half-assed it and dropped too many passes.
May he slack off in peace Cleveland​

 

[OldSchool]

I swear, for some guys, as soon as the narrative is written, it gets chiseled in stone and that. is. that.

HERE LIES SAMMY WATKINS
Injury prone diva who half-assed it and dropped too many passes.
May he slack off in peace Cleveland​

Easy on the drama there, acting like you're in So Cal trying to strike it big in the movies with that much drama

 

[ArkyRamsFan]

I did not mind the Tru tagging and I won't mind if they tag Watkins. For the following reasons.

1. Doesn't tie up long term money.

2. Keeps the WR unit strong.

3. Allows another year for Reynolds, Thomas and Kupp to improve. Maybe Reynolds or Thomas can eventully replace Sammy.

Sure it's a big cap hit for a year. But if they don't tag Sammy, he's likely gone in FA, he's getting paid one way or anouther. I was against keeping Sammy after the playoff game. However keeping Sammy for one more year may not be a bad idea.

HellRam,
Awesome post my man. It's a shame that many fail to realize that the tag is only for one year. I say we try and see how it goes. No harm no foul.
Best case scenario Sammy balls out and we sign him long term. If he doesn't we move on. And let's not forget that Watkins knows that his long term career and financial future are at stake also. He's gotta know that another year of 39 catches ain't gettin' him the big dough.
The dude is gonna be very motivated to put up some flossy numbers.
Just sayin'.....

~ArkyRamsFan~

 

[wolfdogg]

Franchise tag?? (Insert spit take gif)

I want Sammy but at 15+ mil is just too much. Transition tag is a stretch but if the rams think he's worth it then I say......wait a sec, didn't we learn from tavons contract. Now I think Sammy is a much better receiver and option but 15 mil? I dont think they're going with the franchise tag but I do think he and Joyner will stay. Quinn and Tru will depend on how much they are willing to drop their price cause no way they are offered what their agents will ask for.

 

[ArkyRamsFan]

There is maybe 5 shut down CBs in the entire NFL and my figure may be a little high. I'd love to replace Tru with a better player. That said there isn't a whole lot of CBs better then Tru. He's a geat redzone CB who rarely allows WRs to go off on him. I actually can't remeber a WR that just went off on Tru. Yes he will give up chunk plays from time to time. But that's just part of the game. Johnson's pro's definitely out weigh the con's. IMO anyways.

Dang HellRam you are on roll tonight!! Again much like your Watkins post another tremendously insightful one on TruJo. Lotsa Rams fans saying Tru ain't a true number one corner. But they fail to realize that there is a paucity of "number one" corners in the league. Always been always will be.
Bottom line for me is that he fits Wade's defense, Coach Mac likes him, and he is a California kid so what's the deal? I'm just not that worried about giving him "Shut down" corner money at this point. I AM worried about putting some rook out there and watching him get scorched while he's learning on the job or something......
Sign the man and let's move on to other issues.

~ArkyRamsFan~

 

[nighttrain]

I swear, for some guys, as soon as the narrative is written, it gets chiseled in stone and that. is. that.

HERE LIES SAMMY WATKINS
Injury prone diva who half-assed it and dropped too many passes.
May he slack off in peace Cleveland​

This guy has been injured one time, had surjury for the foot and has great hands
train

 

[Loyal]

I don't like this idea.

C'mon counselor, get with the team!

 

[ArkyRamsFan]

Woods is a clear #1 receiver, not sure how anybody could doubt this at this point.

Woods was on pace for 1100 yards and 7 TD's before he got hurt. And don't give me this "he's a great #2" nonsense, given that only 15 WR in the league had 1000 yards this year and only 18 had more than 7 TD.

Woods was unstoppable against Atlanta.

James Otto,
I get what your saying and you make a decent point. Robert Woods had an excellent year and the future looks bright for him and the Rams.
However, let us remember that it was Watkins who was covered by the enemy's best corner which allowed Mr. Woods to go against corners of lesser quality. If Woods is to ever be considered a true #1 receiver let him become the primary focus of the defense and let him consistently beat the other teams best corner back.

Until that happens he's not a true number one wide out.

Just sayin......

~ArkyRamsFan~

 

[RamsOfCastamere]

There is maybe 5 shut down CBs in the entire NFL and my figure may be a little high. I'd love to replace Tru with a better player. That said there isn't a whole lot of CBs better then Tru. He's a geat redzone CB who rarely allows WRs to go off on him. I actually can't remeber a WR that just went off on Tru. Yes he will give up chunk plays from time to time. But that's just part of the game. Johnson's pro's definitely out weigh the con's. IMO anyways.

Dude I was going to post something like this yesterday. True may bend at times but he doesn't break. He's long and can match up with the most physical receivers in the league. He may not be All-Pro but he's a perennial Pro-bowl corner. Our weakness on D are runs up the middle, not pass defense. I would rather use the draft to work on that and depth, and not create another hole. If we sign someone "better" they would be more expensive than what we would probably extend Tru. If we sign someone cheaper , watch what happens if we have two Kayvon Websters on the outside.