The Green Bay Packers surprised a lot of people with the roster move that they made ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. With the team getting healthier over their bye in Week 14, the Packers decided it was a good time to move on from veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins. One team that could be a potential landing spot for the veteran wideout is the San Francisco 49ers.
Watkins hit waivers on Monday afternoon as he was released by the team. It was peculiar timing given the fact that the Packers were preparing to play a game just a few hours later, but given the state of the depth chart, it is a move that made some sense.
Watkins came into the offseason with a chance to become the team’s No. 1 receiver as one of the most experienced players on the depth chart. Things were wide open with Davante Adams being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and Marquez Valdes-Scantling signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Alas, Watkins was never able to make that big of an impact. He battled injuries, again, appearing in only nine games. Despite the opportunity being there, Watkins caught only 13 passes for 206 yards with no scores. He was eighth on the team in receptions and seventh in yardage.
The ninth-year veteran is still only 29 and if he showed one thing with the Packer it is that he is still capable of making a big play downfield. The 15.8 yards per reception that he has recorded this season is the second-highest of his career, behind the 17.5 he recorded during his second season in the NFL, which was also his only 1,000-yard campaign.
Looking for a team to latch onto for the remainder of the season, where could Watkins end up? One NFL scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network believes that the San Francisco 49ers could be where Watkins finishes the 2022 season.
“I think the 49ers are a team that could look into adding (Sammy) Watkins. They’ve dabbled in the Odell Beckham Jr. talks, but don’t need a No. 1 or No. 2. Watkins as a No. 3 could be exactly what they’re looking for.”
Compared to Odell Beckham Jr., Watkins has also proven he can get on the field and help this season. There are still some concerns about when Beckham can actually return to the field despite receiving full clearance a few weeks ago.
There is also a need right now for wide receiver help in San Francisco as Deebo Samuel is dealing with an MCL and ankle sprain. Sammy Watkins, unlike Beckham, could step into the lineup for a few plays if the need arises. As a complementary piece, Watkins could fit the bill for the 49ers.
