I wouldn't mind an $11 mil prove it deal provided that means we don't lose a guy we really need on defense.

However; I am doubtful he'd accept that, and it is likely he'll get a multi year offer somewhere that will take the gamble.

I just don't think he's as big a key to the Ram's offense as some do. Does he have value? Sure. But I see him as an $8 - 9 Mil per year player; not a $11 - $15 mil per year player.

Here's the thing: I agree wholeheartedly with the statement that he seemed to have a problem getting open and getting much separation. And if you are Goff and McVay, why would you try to fit balls into tight windows to Watkins, when you can throw a much less risky ball into the hands of Kupp and Woods who DO get open and get separation consistently?

If Goff and McVay are ready to throw 50/50 balls to Watkins, fine. I have no issue with that. He's big, fast, and has strong hands. But without that commitment to accept more risk in the form of a few more INTs and incompletes, then I'm not sure that Watkins is the best fit. And especially for big dollars.

For me, this is so similar to the Tru J issue. He is a good piece of the puzzle for the right price. But above that right price, no. Neither Tru J nor Watkins are stars. They are good young players worth having but not at star prices.

I've said it before: offer Watkins the same as was offered Woods plus a tad for a year having passed. But that's all.
Tru J would be a good keep for $9 - 10 mil. But not for the kind of money the Giants paid JJ.

Players however often have higher opinions of themselves than their performance would indicate. TruJ certainly falls into that category and I have a feeling Watkins does as well.