Los Angeles Rams: Possible replacements for Sammy Watkins

Sammy Watkins led the Los Angeles Rams in touchdown receptions last season. Now, the Rams face the possibility of losing Watkins via free agency.

The Los Angeles Rams put the icing on the cake last off-season by acquiring Sammy Watkins. LA traded cornerback E.J. Gaines and a second-round pick to Buffalo in exchange for Watkins and the Bills sixth-round pick. This move served as the final addition to an off-season that added offensive weapons Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and left tackle Andrew Whitworth, to name a few.

Watkins did not fail to deliver. Although Kupp led the team in receiving yards, Watkins caught a team-best eight touchdowns alongside 593 reception yards. His 15.2 yards per reception was the most among the Rams who had at least 20 receptions throughout the season.

Now, Watkins is an unrestricted free agent after just one year in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Rams could look to use the franchise tag on Watkins. However, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, the Rams are leaning towards franchise tagging safety LaMarcus Joyner instead of Watkins; making Watkins free to walk if he so pleases.

The Los Angeles Rams could re-sign Watkins, but the ball is in his court. Watkins would have to accept the fact that he is merely a role player with all the weapons the Rams have. If he wants to be a number one receiver, he will not re-sign with LA.

Spotrac estimates his annual worth to be $5.9 million. That would make Watkins the fifth-highest paid Ram next season. However, instead of trying to pay Watkins what other teams would pay him to be a number one receiver, the Rams could simply replace him. Here are four options to replace Sammy Watkins.