2021 NFL Free Agency predictions: Quarterbacks will be on the move

16. Sammy Watkins becomes a salary cap casualty in Kansas City

The Chiefs front office has done a magnificent job of finding creative ways to pay their biggest stars over the last several years. At some point, they will be required to let go of a player they value to preserve their salary cap flexibility.

Watkins lines up as a player that Kansas City would like to have back, but can certainly do without. He’s always been considered a great talent by NFL evaluators, but his production has never quite lived up to the hype. He’s been productive in Andy Reid’s offense, but much of that can be attributed to the innovative scheme and, of course, the presence of Patrick Mahomes under center.

Watkins isn’t the sort of guy who is going to take significantly less money to stick with a Super Bowl contender. He’ll find another franchise willing to pay him more money in the hopes that he can finally develop into a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver.

That will be a bad bet for the team that does sign Watkins, but it will still sting Kansas City’s depth of offensive weaponry. Kansas City will be forced to look elsewhere for a starting outside wide receiver in the offseason.