You say "Over the years I have had MANY offers to leave where I am and declined."

That is what I would do if I am watkins - get the same opportunity you did to make a choice.

I would consider other offers and then, if I so desire, CHOOSE not to accept them.

simply knowing what your options are doesn't mean you don't factor in loving your current job, your kids schooling and even the fact you intend on staying. it simply means you know what your fair market value is relative to the 31 other teams.

i have no problem with Sammy telling the Rams, let me see what the market is and I will come back and give you the right of first refusal to match.

unlike the regular season of we not me, my free agent year is "me not we".

also, unlike a "normal" job, the NFL shelf life is extremely limited which makes the desire to establish real value important.