Packers releasing WR Sammy Watkins

With Romeo Doubs back in the lineup, there is little use for the veteran wide reciever. 

From Pelissero:

With the emergence of Christian Watson and the return of Romeo Doubs from his ankle injury, there's little reason to keep Watkins around.

The veteran wide out had seen his playing time reduced in recent weeks and offered precious little when he did see the field. 

The move will also allow the Packers to see more of seventh round draft pick Samori Toure, who has shown promise in limited opportunities. 

Watkins finishes his time in Green Bay with 13 receptions for 206 yards. 

 

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1 points
 

Comments (27)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
TimHinke10's picture

December 19, 2022 at 11:46 am

As a Packer Fan I appreciated Sammy and loved his shining moments. Unfortunately he didn't have too many. His smile reminded me of Donald Driver! I wish him well the rest of his career!

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KenEllis's picture

December 19, 2022 at 03:04 pm

Anyone remember how Sammy was pumped up some of the usual suspects?

I do.

"Sammy Watkins makes a lot of sense for the Green Bay Packers"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-8QSBnYmhE

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LeotisHarris's picture

December 19, 2022 at 03:31 pm

Meh, in Nagler's defense, he's never right.

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Jeff Hayes's picture

December 19, 2022 at 12:04 pm

Thank you Sammy for coming in and giving the team some hope, I find it sad our fans are so mean about a player losing their job especially at this time of year, Good luck going foward Sammy, hope you get picked up by a contender

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TarynsEyes's picture

December 19, 2022 at 01:01 pm

It's business, not personal.

Nobody is wishing ill will toward Watkins. Do what you're paid to do, or you're gone.

It's not personal, it's business.

Only fools retain on a payroll those who do not perform to wages being paid.

It's not personal, unless one takes or makes it so.

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Swisch's picture

December 19, 2022 at 05:13 pm

It's a business, but not just a business; pro football is more than a business.
We don't have 80,000 fans (and a national television audience) watching CEOs doing their jobs.
***
Actually, even business is not just a business.
It's people.
We all know that people flourish when they have good jobs that provide respect and direction and appreciation; and we all know that people sag and fall into discouragement when they are neglected or mistreated.
***
No offense to TarynsEyes, who may believe much of what I'm trying to say.
The thing is, as Americans, we have to get beyond systems and mechanics and technology and commercialization -- and become centered on people.
Mother Teresa said the poverty of America is loneliness, as well as a lack of dignity given to all without exception.
In our country, we have epidemics of drug overdoses, addictions, diabetes 2, divorces, and suicides, which is strong evidence of a lack of concern and appreciation for average Americans.
These are good people who are being pushed to their breaking point due to lack of good jobs and lack of loving families (which build on each other) -- and the main cause is being disrespected and dismissed by elitists of the establishment.
The families who built America with their sweat and defended with their blood are being cast aside to overwhelming adversity and deprivation.
After all, we're the deplorables, or so they say -- by their actions as well as their words.
***
Vince Lombardi got it.
Yes, talent is essential to the success of any enterprise, but so is character.
We have to look out for each other, and even sacrifice for each other, whether it's a team or a family or a business or a government.
It's never going to be perfect, but sometimes we only see how good we had it when we have had it taken away. (Remember the poignancy that ensues -- along with the good comedy -- in the first two Home Alone movies when Kevin wishes he didn't have his family).
Lombardi went so far as to say that the key dynamic in building the Packers was love. Our legendary coach as the epitome of toughness didn't disdain the word love.
That's how you win five championships in seven years, a feat unmatched in the annals of NFL history.
In those days, not only the Packers -- but the Colts, Giants, Browns, Bears, and Lions had a lot of talent -- but the Packers dominated the era.
***
That's why the current Packers have lost their way. Glaring at people for mistakes, then pushing them off to the margins, isn't going to build a winning team.
Maybe it was the right decision to cut Sammy Watkins, but so many players on the Packers have been underperforming that it seems the problem is a lack of leadership, not talent.
Didn't Lombardi say something to the effect that if a leader gains the trust of his players, they will follow him anywhere?
To his credit, he realized that to gain that trust he had to sincerely give of himself to his players, with genuine and personal caring.
***
America is a great country, and free enterprise is the only way to go, but we need fair rules for society to provide widespread opportunity, and we have to tone down the competitiveness. Hyper-competition causes hypertension.
Instead of tearing people down and driving them to the ground, we need to lift up and bring out the best in each other.
***
Before the first Christmas, the ancient world didn't believe in human equality; it was an ideal unthinkable, even unimaginable. It was assumed that some people would be cast aside, forsaken and forgotten.
As history shows, it is only with Christmas that each of us is prized and priceless and irreplaceable. No one is left out.
That's why Mother Teresa rescued dying people emaciated and infested with worms on the streets of Calcutta, regardless of religion.
That's why all people can say, Merry Christmas!
***
Please excuse my length. Perhaps the best way to end is to suggest that each of us try to remember when another person encouraging us helped us to exceed the negative expectations of others, and even our own doubts.
We can be better than we realize, with the help of each other, and by the grace of God.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XS3YBV1/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_5?s...

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TarynsEyes's picture

December 19, 2022 at 05:32 pm

The problem is, a few do believe everyone needs to look out for everyone. I believe one cannot look out for everyone, but should look out/ focus on those in their circle and come into the radar of said circle. Some of them make it hard for me to continue to care about. All one can do is wish them a good path, and what they do on it is of no worry for me, unless it enters my circle or blips my radar.

We cannot treat everyone like family, or friends, because they aren't and never will be.

I always offer at least a handshake of goodwill, if that is not enough, my give a damn ends.

The world of today doesn't care about humanity either, it's a business, and proof of it is self-evident daily.

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Swisch's picture

December 19, 2022 at 07:20 pm

We largely agree, I think, TarynsEyes, with perhaps some differences.
Mother Teresa said we should start our efforts to serve others within our own families and neighborhoods -- including those who have enough in material goods, but are for some reason largely left out socially.
Yet, sometimes, it seems to me, we have to maintain a healthy distance from some people physically and emotionally, even those closest to us.
We can still love them, but only from a safe place, unless there is a real change.
***
It's a hard world, and we have to develop a certain toughness to protect ourselves -- and yet I hope I don't become hard myself.
I hope I'll always try to be kind, and not get discouraged -- even by my own crankiness and impatience and self-absorption.
As an idealist who has been knocked around a lot by life, and is somewhat of a misfit, one of my favorite movies is, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (with the same director and leading actor as, "It's a Wonderful Life").
To me, the movie about Senator Jefferson Smith speaks powerfully to overcoming meanness and cynicism and even betrayal by being both realistic and idealistic; to live, as Jesus said, as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.
It is perhaps the greatest challenge of my life.
Tonight, however, I'm ready to take a break to watch the Packers.

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MainePackFan's picture

December 19, 2022 at 07:14 pm

Swisch, I appreciate your heartfelt post. As I remember, you have been dealing with some things that would make us all take a second and reflect. I hope all is well. That being said....

"America is a great country, and free enterprise is the only way to go, but we need fair rules for society to provide widespread opportunity, and we have to tone down the competitiveness. Hyper-competition causes hypertension."

Yes, America is a great country. Yes, free enterprise is the only way to go, That is the essence of this country. Hard work, overcome whatever it is you need to overcome to make yourself the best you can be, whatever your best may be.

That is the American dream. That is why many with the least "opportunity" have done the most. The "fair rules" are baked into the Constitution. The problem is we as a society (out the goodness of our hearts) sometimes try to make life fair. It isn't.

God Bless my friend

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Swisch's picture

December 19, 2022 at 10:46 pm

God bless to you, MPF, and thanks for your caring words, plus your sincere thoughts.
It's good as Americans to have free speech with each other, which in our case seems to include both agreement and disagreement.
I'm all for robust but respectful debate, as you demonstrated in your comment.
***
It seems as though a tiny few Americans own almost everything in our country, and the vast majority own very little.
When so many good Americans are struggling, as I mentioned above, then I think we have to consider outside factors -- similar to when so many Packers are struggling, then we have to consider outside factors.
I agree that life isn't fair, but we can try to make it as fair as possible by standing up for the American worker.
***
For example, for all of its preaching (which was on display at the game tonight in Lambeau Field), I wonder why the NFL won't try to make at least some of its official products in the depressed inner cities, and also in the depressed countrysides.
If the costs to produce are higher in America, then the NFL could channel its charitable donations to offset those costs, instead of toward empty rhetoric nagging good fans about supposedly being racists.
***
If we want to afford the horrors of socialism, we need to reform capitalism, with an emphasis on protecting and promoting small farms and small shops and small crafts.
As G.K. Chesterton seemed to say, I'm all for capitalism if it gives ordinary people real opportunities to gain capital.

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MainePackFan's picture

December 20, 2022 at 05:58 am

You are a kind soul George Bailey :)

Merry Christmas Swisch !!

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BAMABADGER's picture

December 19, 2022 at 10:30 pm

Well said Swisch... Merry Christmas to all Packer fans. Enjoy tonight's victory. I wish Sammy Watkins the best of luck going forward.

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Nate-1980's picture

December 21, 2022 at 04:40 pm

I guess in your long rant of forgiveness Aaron Rodgers still gets crap and is unforgivable.. Practice what you preach mother T..:)

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Nate-1980's picture

December 21, 2022 at 04:40 pm

I guess in your long rant of forgiveness Aaron Rodgers still gets crap and is unforgivable.. Practice what you preach mother T..:)

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therealcause's picture

December 19, 2022 at 02:42 pm

The rest of the comments here are pretty nice/positive!

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Leatherhead's picture

December 19, 2022 at 12:06 pm

I was hoping that Watkins would offset some of the production we lost we Adams while the rookies grew. That didn't happen.

As Ted Thompson said, you have to be careful in free agency, because a lot of times the guy you get isn't that much of an improvement over the guy you had, and it's easy to make big mistakes. For example, Watkins has produced less for us this year that EQ St. Brown did for the Bears this year, and it cost almost double. St. Brown played for the league minimum, about $1 million, whereas with roster and signing bonus, Watkins made $1.7 million.

I think the Packers have the elements of a real good receiving corps in place for next year, especially if we resign Lazard to go with Watson, Doubs, and Toure. Not sad to see Watkins go, sorry it didn't work out.

4 points
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tincada's picture

December 19, 2022 at 12:20 pm

Sammy is the result of GB's fetish for bottom feeding. Who in the world thought he would bring anything to the table? The next cast off will be Cobb, followed by that D genius Barry. GB is in a rebuild era but too obstinate to admit it. Take that to the bank. AR will be back next year playing so so and burning down Love. I hope he demands to be traded.

2 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

December 19, 2022 at 02:58 pm

Apparently, the guy still doesn't know the playbook? Did they bring up Winfree?

4 points
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Oppy's picture

December 19, 2022 at 07:19 pm

It's probably not the playbook, it's probably Rodgers' offense.

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Nate-1980's picture

December 21, 2022 at 04:46 pm

Exactly tincada Watkins was a dollar store toy that falls apart after a day, look at the high free agent wrs (hill, brown etc), I see them thriving..

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Packers0808's picture

December 19, 2022 at 12:53 pm

Sad I had hopes for Sammy Watkins, seems like a very good teammate and nice man! Wish him luck, wonder if moves through waivers makes put PS, doubt it but with this regime never say never!

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T7Steve's picture

December 19, 2022 at 12:59 pm

I appreciate what Sammy brought to the team. If we would have gone to the playoffs, I believe he would have helped. Good luck to him. I'm sure a playoff teams that has a hurt receiver will pick him up. He did great for the Chiefs during their Superbowl run but didn't help them much through the season. Maybe the Texans will pick him up to pair with Amari.

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HarryHodag's picture

December 19, 2022 at 02:06 pm

I remember pondering after a game in September, 'where's Watkins?'. When a veteran doesn't do much it shows.

4 points
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stockholder's picture

December 19, 2022 at 02:15 pm

He never looked like a 1st rd. pick to me. The Offense was too complicated for him. Seems like it was a good Christmas gift for everyone. Hopefully he finds a home somewhere.

4 points
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Oppy's picture

December 19, 2022 at 07:19 pm

Was it the offense, or was it Rodgers' offense that was too complicated for him?

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 20, 2022 at 12:39 am

Watkins was a football player. There was a chance he might return to being special, but that was not to be. Still, he was always a football player. I called for him to be released but there was nothing wrong with his character. He worked hard and did the dirty work, but just can't do the special things anymore. Good luck.

5 points
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Tundraboy's picture

December 21, 2022 at 11:46 pm

Well said

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