The Buffalo Bills won't pick up the fifth year team option on WR Sammy Watkins. That means Watkins will be a free agent after the season ends.
The Buffalo Bills have declined to pick up Sammy Watkins' fifth-year option. pic.twitter.com/zS3xZT7tWt
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) May 2, 2017
On the bright side, Watkins could be in line for more money next year. The franchise tag for a wide out will likely be around the $15 million mark and if he stays healthy and plays well, he could get a long-term deal with a bunch of guaranteed money from some team.
The deadline for the decision was 4 p.m. ET today. The Bills are not picking up the option because of injury worries around Watkins. If he was hurt, the Bills would be on the hook for a $13 million guarantee.
When healthy, Watkins has easily been the Bills best WR. Buffalo also drafted Zay Jones to serve as the No. 2, although he might be promoted to the No. 1 WR role if Watkins leaves after this year.
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