1:14PM: Not surprisingly, the two sides have indeed been able to reach an agreement on a deal. Watkins is signing a one-year contract worth up to $4MM (Twitter link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter).
1:07PM: One of the teams most in need of wide receiver additions is meeting with one of the top remaining free agents at the position. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports (on Twitter) that Sammy Watkins is visiting the Packers today. 
Green Bay has been able to retain most of the key players on their NFC-leading team from 2021. Two of the most notable departures, though, are of course Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. That has left the team in search of multiple replacements for their pass-catching corps; given the current state of the free agent market, many expected the draft to become the Packers’ main area of focus.
Watkins is on a small list of notable veterans still available, though. He, along with Julio Jones, Jarvis Landry and Will Fuller could all be on the move around, or just after, the draft. The Packers would represent Watkins’ fifth career team, as he spent the 2021 campaign with the Ravens after three years in Kansas City. That, in turn, was preceded by a single season with the Rams and three with the Bills. Since his lone 1,000 yard campaign in Buffalo, he has established himself as a consistent secondary option in the passing game.
Green Bay would still have some familiar faces for the former fourth-overall pick. Head coach Matt Lafleur was the Rams’ offensive coordinator during his lone season there in 2017. Likewise, WRs coach Jason Vrable worked with Watkins as an offensive staffer when he was in Buffalo. If he were to sign, the 28-year-old would add experienced depth to the WR room, while leaving the door open to at least one other noteworthy addition, either in free agency or the draft.
Great he will give the pack a solid 3 games next season
But he won’t cost 3 draft picks and a 4+ year contract at $25+ mil per, so there’s that.
Packers are desperate. This dude hasn’t been above replacement value since his one good season years ago. Still teams keep hoping.
It’s a low-risk deal. There’s nothing desperate about it.
YES!!!!!
Signed,
2015
Update 1:46
Watkins tore his Achilles walking down stairs. Out Indefinitely.
If this one year deal hits its maximum value, it’s less than 11 kickers will make this year. Worth a roll of the dice, especially in an off-season when Zay &$@%ing Jones got $14 million in guarantees.
Kickers are more important than the aging vet you want to be your 4th or 5th wide receiver but are praying he is not your 3rd or 2nd wide receiver.
I’m not sure I agree with that, but the larger point is it’s pocket change even if it hits full value.
Glad they signed someone. Not enthused. Felt some of the other vets still out there had more upside but probs cost more. Wondering about guaranteed money.
A horrible deal. 1 or 2 guys in rounds 1-3 are cheaper, fresher, healthier, under contract longer, and have higher ceilings.
I’d rather run 2 slot guys with Beasley and Cobb than have this 1 time wonder on the team.
Couldn’t top 700 with Mahomes, he damn sure won’t with Rodgers.
This doesn’t preclude them from drafting 1, 2 or 7 wr.
What has Beasley done lately?
I’m just guessing here, but it seems like Mahomes had Hill and Kelce on that team..and probably at least 1 more pass catcher who who put up good (if not great) numbers.
And I doubt the expectation (nevermind the need) is for him to put up huge stats.
Beasley has a great catch % and even running two slot guys is a plus over Watkins. This guy can’t stay healthy, one time 1,000 receiver, and just isn’t it.
Taking any snaps away from a draft pick in favor of Sammy is a crime.
Horrible deal? This is a total incentive contract which is low risk for the team. He steps in and gives a vet presence and that’s something can use at the position. Is he a number 1? Absolutely not. Low risk POTENTIAL high reward. This also doesn’t negate then from drafting a WR in the first round, either.
Taking away snaps from literally any draft pick in rounds 1-3 is a crime. Not to mention paying someone to do as such.
The guy just isn’t good.
Beasley had 693 yards and 1 TD last year.
And if Watkins is taking away snaps from say, an Amari Rodgers type draft pick, we ALL should be for it. Of course we all hope whoever they draft this year develops quicker, but that’s not a guarantee. It still might take a few games to get there. And need I remind you (and everyone else) 12 doesn’t always click with guys right away. Particularly rookies.
But let’s say these rookies come in and are Justin Jefferson and J Chase from day 1. Then they’ll play, and there’s a chance Watkins won’t even make the week 1 roster.
Right after they move up to draft a developmental QB…
Green Bay needed something at WR. I still see them Addressing wide receiver in the draft
ya this seems like a supplemental pickup.
They will take a WR in the first round, my guess Treylon Burks. Also guessing they take another WR later in the draft like a David Bell or Kevin Austin Jr
Giving them a WR room of Burks, Cobb and Watkins then behind them Rodgers, Winfree and Ball/Austin Jr.
Really don’t have a problem with this….it’s low risk, high reward.
I’ll take this over giving MVS 3/30 every day of the week.
People acting like they’re not gonna draft any WRs. While Gute sucks, I have faith they’re taking a WR in round 1 or 2. More help is coming.
When people think this is a bad signing because of Watkins injury history, but would be all for handing twice that to Julio Jones, or even more to O’Dell, something is not right.
Or trading the picks we got for Davante (plus more) for Metcalf then give him $25 mil a year (after saying adams got too much).
i agree its a way better choice than Julio for the cost ..
however I wouldn’t call Watkins a high-upside pickup.
low risk, stop-gap upside
Highly doubt he’ll make the team out of training camp especially if they draft 2 wideouts in their first 4 picks and a couple more in the middle to late rounds. He’s had a history of being injured which is a concern
highly doubt they draft more than 2 wideouts.. and that’s why this signing was made
Being washed up at 28 is not a great way to go through lifed
A comment like that coming from someone named marshmallowman definitely deserves an up vote…lol.
Good signing, but the Packers still have work to do. Watkins is not a bad option, but he’s not someone who will lead or help lead a receiving corps these days, but he has his strengths and has become better at running routes and more reliable as a pass catcher as he’s accepted smaller roles.