The Los Angeles Rams are not expected to use the franchise tag on Sammy Watkins ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, and you have to wonder if the wide receiver is pleased about that.
Shortly after Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that the Rams plan to use the franchise tag on defensive back Lamarcus Joyner, Watkins sent a cryptic tweet.
Can’t wait
— King me (@sammywatkins) March 6, 2018
What could that mean? Your guess is as good as ours, but players almost always prefer the opportunity to hit the open market and search for a long-term deal rather than being bound by the franchise tag.
While La Canfora reports that the Rams want to keep both Joyner and Watkins, you can understand why they would be hesitant to pay the roughly $16 million franchise tag number wide receivers will get for 2018. Watkins scored eight touchdowns last season and was primarily a red zone threat. Despite showing no signs of his nagging foot injury slowing him down, Watkins caught just 39 passes in 15 games. He may have No. 1 wide receiver talent, but he took a back seat to Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods when Woods was healthy.
Watkins is still just 24, so he should get plenty of money if he hits free agency. He sent some tweets during the 2017 season indicating he was unhappy with his role in L.A., so a divorce may be best for all parties.
