USA TODAY International Edition
Chiefs’ Watkins on pay cut: ‘ Fun is in the winning’
Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins said he agreed to a restructured contract that resulted in a pay cut because he wanted one thing.
“It was very important to stay here,” Watkins said Sunday in a news conference. “For what we did in winning the Super Bowl and the type of team and coaches we have, the organization, why wouldn’t I stay? I’m a guy that’s been in the league now going on seven years and I’ve been on teams that were not so good and were not winning.
“My job was really to stay focused. We’re on a team where we’ve got a wellestablished quarterback, a well- established team, coaches, organization. I think the fun is in the winning more than anything.”
Kansas City is fresh off of winning Super Bowl LIV 31- 20 against the 49ers in February. The Chiefs, who made several other moves to re- sign quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones to long- term contracts, enter 2020 as one of the presumptive favorites to compete for another title.
The team was able to execute those deals, in part, because of the cap room saved when Kansas City and Watkins agreed to a restructured deal in April that lowered his salary cap number.
The deal is loaded with incentives, meaning Watkins could trigger bonuses, based on his production. Had Watkins not agreed to the restructured deal, the Chiefs would’ve likely considered cutting or trading him.
“I think I’ve made enough money,” Watkins said. “I’d love more money but as far as being smart and educated on this team, knowing you’ve got to pay Pat, you’ve got to pay Chris, you’ve got a lot of guys you’ve got to pay. So for me to take a contract like I did was a blessing. I still have the opportunity to reach up to whatever amount I can reach up to.
“It’s really showing the world it’s not all about money. This is my happy place, so why not take a smaller contract and come out and play with the guys I’ve been playing with?”
Watkins caught 52 passes for 673 yards in 14 games last season, with three touchdowns. He was very productive in the playoffs, catching 14 passes for 288 yards and one TD.