For Pete’s Sake

Chiefs fans thrilled and sort of stunned about Sammy Watkins’ return

By Pete Grathoff

April 3, 2020 9:43 AM

For Chiefs’ fans, this was a great way to start a Friday.

While most of the country was sleeping came news that the Chiefs and wide receiver Sammy Watkins had agreed on a one-year contract. Watkins, who had 14 receptions for 288 yards and a touchdown during the playoffs, tweeted his plans for the 2020 season:

“LETS GET IT..! #RUNITBACKTOUR”

That excitement about trying to win another championship while also creating $5 million in much-needed salary cap space for the Chiefs left fans happy and a bit shocked that Watkins would be returning.

This is a sample what they were saying on Twitter:

Brett Veach right now. pic.twitter.com/LO46PuanOS
— Steve Gray (@stevegrayjr) April 3, 2020

Waking up to the news that not only the Chiefs resigned Sammy Watkins to a one year deal but also created 5M in cap space had me like pic.twitter.com/nuEITMs2qk
— COVID-Fly (@Solo__Fly) April 3, 2020

Awesome!!! The legion of zoom stays together!
— Dustin Dale (@DustinDale83) April 3, 2020

For 9 mil a year (plus incentives) Sammy Watkins is 100% a great deal.

If you tell me he has an average regular season but balls in playoffs again, I’ll take that number 24/7/365. #chiefs
— Honey Badger’s Fishing Partner (@Jtfawver) April 3, 2020

Yeeeesssss!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/4eFuZy4bMY
— mellody (@mellody8888) April 3, 2020

Yeah, bro. What a dude to work that deal out !
— Saladin (@faster_racing) April 3, 2020

Just like I thought it would go down. Watkins re-signs for less ($9M), but if he reaches certain numbers he can get the full $16M. Great job Veach. Sammy gonna be more motivated than ever to get that money back. #Chiefs
— Caleb Robinson (@ThatDude_Caleb) April 3, 2020

Hey, Sammy, I told everybody they’d better not sleep on you come post-season time.
NEVER doubted your skills when your season slowed.
For me, you’re worth every penny.
Welcome back, man, & be safe out here before season starts, again.
— Saladin (@faster_racing) April 3, 2020

Brett Veach doing Cap Salary Magic again I see . Welcome back Sammy! Earn that extra incentive! #ChiefsKingdom
— 4thGen (@ThroneIsMineIV) April 3, 2020

One ring isn't enough, sir - better make it two.
— KCUR Morning Guy (@KCURMichael) April 3, 2020

Fantastic news! So glad you’re back!!
— bartgabert (@bartgabert1) April 3, 2020

I really thought we would cut bait and take all the cap room except the small dead cap hit but they must value him quite a bit. Trust in Veach https://t.co/UltOatinKu
— Sports Fan Guy (@KyleinKC) April 3, 2020

Couldn’t be happier you’re back. You’ve been messing with us all this time haven’t you?
— Jesse Bates (@TheChiefsFan24) April 3, 2020

Overall, I am very happy that Watkins is back and the WR core is back for another year. The offense is set and ready to go besides maybe adding a lineman in the draft. Now, the Chiefs have work to do with the defense and the largest battle will still be the salary cap.
— Ryan Blank (@rmblank4) April 3, 2020

Welcome back! I really needed some good news and this is it. #ChiefsKingdom
— Chad Robb (@MrFantasyNASCAR) April 3, 2020

pic.twitter.com/Qdxnu9657K
— SLCole (@SLCole85) April 3, 2020

When every other story I was reading was about how trading @sammywatkins to this team or that team would be good, I knew he was back. HAPPY FRIDAY in the #ChiefsKingdom
— Rayzor E . (@vre816) April 3, 2020

Straight up team player! I think it'll pay off in the long run. Compete for a 2nd championship right before going back out to get paid handsomely again. Plus hard to put a price on character but it certainly has value as well
— Alex Steffens (@alex_steffens) April 3, 2020

pic.twitter.com/oqJRk8x8mO
— Nikki (@nikkiwallar1981) April 3, 2020

Pete Grathoff

The Kansas City Star

816-234-4330

From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.

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