Chiefs: Sammy Watkins is still in Kansas City’s offseason plans

Kansas City will need to save some money, but is Sammy Watkins on the short lists of players who could return? 

The Kansas City Chiefs might not have won Super Bowl LV, but they’ll be back in the mix for 2021. So long as Patrick Mahomes is under center, they’ll be set to contend in the AFC.

The attention will turn to the team in free agency. Brett Veach will need to make smart moves that add depth to the trenches of the offensive line while helping build stability in the front seven of the defense.

So, does re-signing Sammy Watkins make sense?

According to reports from NBC Sports, Veach is expected to at least make an offer for the former No. 4 pick to stay in Kansas City another season. Watkins will be entering free agency after signing a three-year, $48 million contract back in 2018.

Would Watkins returning make sense?

Since his arrival with the franchise, Watkins has played the No. 2 role across from Tyreek Hill. Then again, he’s really been the No. 3 weapon with the emergence of Travis Kelce as the team’s true top option in the passing game, other than Hill of course.

Watkins’ time in Kansas City has been one of mixed results. In three years, the 27-year-old has never compiled more than 52 catches on the season. He’s also never had more than three touchdowns in a single season.

Compared to second-year player Mecole Hardman, who finished the 2020 campaign with more catches (41), yards (560) and touchdowns (four), this is a deal that comes with concerns.

Unless the Chiefs can convince Watkins to take a team-friendly offer, there’s little chance he returns to Arrowhead in 2021. Kansas City’s cap concerns suggest they’ll have to pick and choose which potential free agents to prioritize. Watkins probably doesn’t make the cut.