It has to be obvious by now that Sammy was not the ideal player for the X position that McVay wanted or he would have paid the money to keep him. Were the Rams willing to keep him at the right price? Clearly. Instead, Cooks is the ideal fit that McVay envisions and for him he's willing to pay the $17 mil that Sammy demanded but the Rams wouldn't pay (and got at KC).
To imply that Watkins is a joke is unfair. He did fine with the Rams and may do well with the Chiefs. Different coaches want different things.
But Cooks numbers over the same period of time far outshine Watkins, and apparently his versatility and consistency and ability to overcome press man coverage were critical for McVay.
Another thing to consider: FAs cost money and not draft picks. KC was willing to pay the money for a FA to keep their draft picks; and add to the picks by dealing Peters. They are after all in a defense rebuild mode (at the least) and need those picks for players.
The Rams are in a different place and used the picks for more proven young talent. They are more or less through rebuilding and are now of the conviction that they are ready for some years of playoffs and Superbowl runs.
So the Watkins - Cooks thing isn't perfectly straightforward. There's underlying reasons why each team did as they did. Both WRs are good players.
