Los Angeles Rams: Sammy Watkins trade reaction

You have heard the analysis about the Sammy Watkins trade. But what about what the Los Angeles Rams gave up, the new offense, and other issues to consider?

As you heard on Friday, the Los Angeles Rams made a trade with the Buffalo Bills to bring in wide receiver Sammy Wakins at wide receiver, a former first-round pick out of Clemson. You have already seen several reactions on this site already, but what about some of the other factors of this deal, like who we are losing and Watkins’ status. Let’s dive in.

Isn’t Watkins injured?

It is true that Watkins has missed 11 games in his first three seasons, including being put on injured reserve for the second half of last season with an injured foot. It is also true that he had two surgeries on the ailing foot, with the second being in January. However, Watkins played in the Bills preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings Thursday night (and had four catches).

Even after the game, this is what he told Matthew Fairburn:

"“It felt great. Just to be getting hit. That was the best feeling to get back on the field. I think that’s all it took was getting tackled, a couple of balls. The first game is like flying bullets out there. I just had to get acclimated.”"

So despite his injury history, Watkins looks to be healthy. Plus, you would think that Los Angeles feels confident enough about his health, or they would not have traded for him. A healthy Watkins is a great weapon for the Rams.

What about EJ Gaines?

EJ Gaines, the former sixth-round pick out of Missouri, started over Trumane Johnson in his rookie year back in 2014. Unfortunately, Gaines was injured the entire next season, before returning in 2016, starting 10 games, but still dealing with injuries. He was slated on the depth charge to start at cornerback this season.

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However, Kayvon Webster, a free agent signed from Wade Phillips’ defense with the Denver Broncos, was right behind him, and will start in his place, likely without much fall off. Gaines was a nice player, and we wish him luck going forward. But Watkins is what this team needs. Phillips should have the defense able to produce a pass rush and take some pressure off the corners.

What about the second-round pick?

Anytime you trade away a high pick it is costly (especially for someone who loves the NFL draft as much as I do.) But remember, Watkins was the fourth overall pick back in 2014, the top receiver taken, and someone the Bills traded two first-round picks for. So yes, the second rounder is costly. But this trade shows that Los Angeles is taking 2017 seriously. It gives McVay another weapon in crafting his offense, and it may just be the most important piece.

What does this do to the Rams’ offense?

It gives them a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Watkins can stretch the field and be a deep threat for Jared Goff. It also bumps everyone else down the depth chart. So, Watkins is the No. 1 wideout at the moment, Robert Woods, who played with Watkins in Buffalo the last few years, is the No. 2 receiver, and Cooper Kupp will be in the slot.

Isn’t Watkins a free agent next year?

Yes, the Bills declined his fifth-year option, so Watkins is on route to become a free agent. However, the Rams can negotiate a long-term deal or they can franchise tag him as a last resort. I would expect Los Angeles to work out a long-term deal at some point, keeping him around for a long time.

What do you think of the trade?

I love it. I love that the Rams are movers and shakers in the trade market and look for opportunities to add stars to the team. And that is what Watkins is, a star.

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Things to consider for Los Angeles Rams with Sammy Watkins trade

By Nick Fox | Aug 12, 2017

You have heard the analysis about the Sammy Watkins trade. But what about what the Los Angeles Rams gave up, the new offense, and other issues to consider?

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