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RockRam
As I think about how McVay's offense works, and where the targets were, I don't think we need a "#1 WR" that is meant to be a deep threat. Because very likely that person is going to be either 3rd or 4th in catches and yards each year.
Rather we need someone who is indeed a deep threat because he has the speed and can beat the jam, and draws the safety and at least 1 CB deep along with him. I think we can get that from a vet (like a Heyward-Bey) or even a young mid-round draft pick who can legitimately get open deep even if he's inconsistent and not the overall player that Watkins is.
And I suspect we're looking at a $3-5 mil player and not a $10-11 mil player (which is what Watkins is bound to cost). That extra $5 - 7 mil in cap space could get us another upper-mid level FA (perhaps at OLB or C
, or perhaps can allow us to keep a couple more FAs that we'd rather not lose.
This is NOT a shot at Sammy Watkins by the way. I'm just not sure that what he brings in relation to McVay's offense and Goff's skillset is worth what he will cost.
That said: I suspect Snead must have thought so (and McVay probably) before the trade. But now? Seeing what Woods and Kupp have accomplished?
Going to be an interesting decision. And BTW: I wonder if Watkins and agent aren't wondering the same thing. Is this the best fit for him? Because at his young age, he's going to be looking at a 3rd contract at around 28 years old. And the bigger the numbers he gets, the bigger the contract he might be offered when his 2nd deal expires.
And for those wondering about the Niners getting him: if he's not a fit for McVay's offense then he probably isn't for Shanahan's either. Jimmy G is also an intermediate thrower and not a bomb's away Rothlesberger type. The two offenses are similar.
