How do you know what I was assuming or not? Just kidding. I know what you mean.

Sure, I suppose it is possible they intend to keep him. But that $11 mil cap hit is big for an ill-fitting player who continues to have good value at his natural position. And, as has been discussed here many times, he's hardly the greatest run stopper.

Especially for a GM who is desperate not to look like an idiot for giving away a 2nd round pick and a good CB for a Watkins. Only to lose him after 1 season.
And with several other players who need to get paid. That $11 mil could help a great deal.

This always comes down to prioritizing when you'd really like to keep everyone. But cap space and player salary demands just won't accommodate it.