Chiefs Impending Free Agent Could Find New Home After Receiver Return to Practice

Chiefs impending free agent wide receiver Justin Watson could find a new home after Marquise Brown’s return to practice. According to reports, the Kansas City Chiefs are finally getting help at the wide receiver position since losing Brown to a potential season-ending injury this past offseason. However, he’s returning which could spell bad news for Justin Watson who’s been fading in the background each week as time passes, he might be playing his last few games with the team. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Penn Product has been playing a consistent role in Patrick Mahomes’ offense after losing Rashee Rice and Brown for the majority of the year.

After trading for DeAndre Hopkins, the Chiefs were hoping Watson could fill in shoes but he hasn’t been the most reliable as far as being a chain-mover. While he has a few flashes this season, Watson is an efficient option when looking for an open target but since Brown is coming back, no one should expect to him get much of anything. The wideout has good hands as an open man but he doesn’t do anything in moving the ball after recording fewer yards per reception and game than in 2023.

While his production is going on a downward trend, it will force the Chiefs to bring Brown in sooner to see if he can get some starting reps to prepare Kansas City for a potential three-peat. This doesn’t look good for Watson’s future but he could easily earn a role with a new team since Kansas City probably won’t prioritize to extend him.

Chiefs Impending Free Agent Justin Watson Could Find New Home After Marquise Brown Returns to Practice

Potential Next Teams

Carolina Panthers

It’s clear to say the Panthers are in rebuilding mode again after making several moves in free agency this past offseason in hopes of rewriting the 2023 disastrous year. However, benching Bryce Young, trading Diontae Johnson and potentially losing Jadeveon Clowney in March means the Panthers have pieces to make up for. Rookie Xavier Legette could probably find himself as the top receiving option but the Panthers could sign Watson to see what he could do. He won’t get the offense to full speed but given his experience, he’s already an upgrade to what the Panthers already have.

Baltimore Ravens

While the Ravens could be eyeing Odell Beckham Jr. after his release, they could sign Justin Watson this upcoming offseason. Baltimore has an aging Nelson Agholor behind a bruised Rashod Bateman so it’s safe to bring in more weapons to help Lamar Jackson. Watson won’t take Zay Flowers or Bateman’s job but the Ravens have to think about the longevity of their offense. Even if they bring Beckham back, they could sign Watson to see if he could become the Ravens’ next consistent and do what the Chiefs couldn’t do.

New Orleans Saints

Despite denial, the New Orleans Saints should probably find themselves rebuilding a new team. Derek Carr hasn’t been consistent this season after suffering multiple injuries so they might as well shore up the receiver room to prepare for Spencer Rattler. They’ve already done a phenomenal job of getting the best out of Marquez Valdes-Scantling so they could probably do the same with Justin Watson. With Chris Olave possibly leaving after his season-ending injury, Watson could be an efficient third option behind Valdes-Scantling and Rashid Shaheed.