Thursday brought news that the Green Bay Packers are signing wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
Losing Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders is a huge blow, and they will have a hard time finding a replacement.
Breaking: Sammy Watkins is signing a one-year deal w the #Packers, per source.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 14, 2022
After all, it’s challenging to fill the void left by an All-Pro wide receiver who had 1,553 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
But the Packers are doing their part in bringing in Watkins, who last played for the Baltimore Ravens.
The former Clemson standout has played eight NFL seasons but only had one 1,000-yard campaign.
Since then, injuries have hampered his once-promising career.
Watkins continued to be productive, but not at the level he once did with the Buffalo Bills.
While the bigger picture paints that Watkins might not be a great option, The Packers Wire managing editor Zach Kruse tells otherwise.
During his one season with Matt LaFleur in LA, Sammy Watkins scored eight touchdowns, averaged 15.2 yards per catch and created 10 plays of 20+ yards. Jared Goff’s passer rating when targeting him was 116.0.
99 career games. He’s still only 28.
Definitely worth a look
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) April 14, 2022
Kruse pointed out Watkins’ performance during his only season with the Los Angeles Rams.
That year, Matt LaFleur became the team’s offensive coordinator, and Watkins came in via trade with the Bills.
The Florida native did considerably well with 593 yards and eight touchdowns.
But Kruse pointed out that Watkins also averaged 15.2 yards per catch and had ten receptions of at least 20 yards.
Jared Goff‘s 116 passer rating when targeting him is also impressive.
Aaron Rodgers Could Elevate Watkins’ Game
Despite playing many games in the NFL, Watkins is in his prime years at 28 years old.
Likewise, playing with an elite passer like Aaron Rodgers might bring a resurgence to his career.
He might not reach 1,000 yards again, but his numbers will be way better than his 394 yards and one touchdown with the Ravens.
Watkins’ speed will help stretch the defense, giving Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb favorable coverages during passing plays.
NEXT: Packers Reportedly Land A Former Top WR For Aaron Rodgers