Packers free agency: Allen Robinson, Sammy Watkins rumored to be on the radar
The Green Bay Packers could be in the mix for Allen Robinson and Sammy Watkins.
It was first reported that the Packers were among those interested in tight end Jimmy Graham, but it appears new general manager Brian Gutekunst is exploring a number of options on offense.
Allen Robinson and Sammy Watkins, both selected in the 2014 NFL Draft, the same class as Davante Adams, are at the very least on the Packers’ radar ahead of the start of the new league year.
NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling tweeted the following:
"I wouldn’t be surprised if the Green Bay Packers dip their toe into these waters as well” — @RapSheet on Allen Robinson’s market, via @nflnetwork’s #freeagentfrenzy
— Chris Wesseling (@ChrisWesseling) March 12, 2018
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also noted that the Packers are among the teams interested in Watkins. Let the speculation begin.
Having interest in a player isn’t the same as actually signing them (See: Richard Sherman), but it does make you wonder what Gutekunst’s plans are at the wide receiver position.
If the Packers were to sign Robinson, for example, they would almost certainly need to free up some money at the wide receiver position. According to Spotrac, the Packers currently have $38.38 million of the cap committed to their receivers, far and away a league-high.
Robinson is going to become one of the league’s highest paid wide receivers. For the Packers to make room, they would likely need to cut or restructure one of their current deals. Would signing one of Robinson or Watkins mean that either Jordy Nelson or Randall Cobb could be on their way out?
Make no mistake, both Robinson and Watkins could give the Packers’ offense a huge upgrade. Robinson would likely be the pick of the two, but also probably the most expensive.
Both players come with some injury concerns. Watkins hasn’t played all 16 games since his rookie season in 2014. Robinson is returning from a torn ACL he suffered at the start of the 2017 season.
When healthy, Robinson has proven why he’s one of the league’s top receivers. In 2015 he posted 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns, and followed it up in 2016 with 883 yards and six scores in a “down year”.
Watkins disappointed somewhat last season, posting just 593 yards and eight touchdowns in a red-hot Rams offense. But he’s just 24-years-old, has a ton of talent and could form an unstoppable partnership with Aaron Rodgers.
Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history
Do you think the Packers should try and sign either receiver? And if so, what would it mean for Nelson and Cobb?