DONE DEAL:The Arizona Cardinals Sign Former Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver Quez Watkins to a…Read more

The Arizona Cardinals have made their first move of the offseason by signing wide receiver Quez Watkins, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, to a futures contract. While futures deals don’t typically garner major headlines, Watkins’ signing has the potential to be an under-the-radar acquisition that could pay dividends for the Cardinals as they rebuild their roster under head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Who Is Quez Watkins?

Quez Watkins was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles out of Southern Miss. Known for his elite speed, Watkins quickly earned a reputation as a player capable of stretching the field with his ability to create separation on deep routes. At the 2020 NFL Combine, he ran an impressive 4.35-second 40-yard dash, cementing his status as one of the fastest players in the league.

During his three seasons in Philadelphia, Watkins appeared in 40 games and posted 83 receptions for 1,107 yards and five touchdowns. His best season came in 2021 when he recorded 43 receptions for 647 yards, averaging an impressive 15 yards per catch. Despite being primarily utilized as a complementary receiver in the Eagles’ offense, Watkins showed flashes of brilliance and demonstrated the potential to be a more significant contributor if given the opportunity.

What Is a Futures Contract?

For those unfamiliar with the concept, a futures contract allows NFL teams to claim the rights to a player for the upcoming season. These contracts are typically signed by players who were not on an active roster at the end of the previous season, such as practice squad players or free agents. Futures deals count against a team’s salary cap for the following year and often come with minimal financial risk.

The Cardinals’ decision to sign Watkins to a futures contract suggests they see him as a developmental player who could compete for a larger role in 2024. For Watkins, this deal represents a fresh start and an opportunity to prove that he can be more than a situational deep threat.

Why Did the Cardinals Sign Quez Watkins?

The Arizona Cardinals are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and adding a player like Watkins aligns with their long-term strategy. Watkins brings speed and playmaking ability to a team that is searching for weapons to complement star wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. His presence also adds depth to a receiving corps that struggled with injuries and inconsistency during the 2023 season.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon is familiar with Watkins from his time as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, which likely played a role in this signing. Gannon witnessed Watkins’ explosiveness and versatility firsthand in practice and games, making him a natural fit for Arizona’s plans.

Additionally, the Cardinals’ new offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing emphasizes creativity and flexibility. Watkins’ speed and ability to stretch the field vertically can open up opportunities for other receivers and create mismatches for opposing defenses.

What Can Watkins Bring to the Cardinals?

Watkins’ most obvious asset is his speed, which can help the Cardinals add a much-needed vertical dimension to their offense. Defenses must respect his ability to take the top off the secondary, which can create space for Arizona’s other playmakers to operate underneath.

In addition to his deep-threat capabilities, Watkins has shown improvement as a route runner and has flashed potential in intermediate and short-yardage situations. While his hands have been inconsistent at times, he has demonstrated the ability to make contested catches and create yards after the catch.

Watkins’ presence also gives the Cardinals more flexibility in how they deploy their personnel. Pairing him with other speedy targets like Marquise Brown could create one of the fastest receiving tandems in the league, putting significant pressure on opposing defenses.

The Role of Jonathan Gannon

Jonathan Gannon’s familiarity with Watkins cannot be overstated. Having coached against him in practice during his time in Philadelphia, Gannon likely has a strong understanding of Watkins’ strengths and areas for growth. This insight could prove invaluable as the Cardinals look to maximize Watkins’ potential in their offense.

Gannon’s influence on the Cardinals’ roster construction has been evident since he took over as head coach. By signing Watkins, he’s bringing in a player who fits his vision for a fast, aggressive team that can compete in the NFC West.

What This Means for the Cardinals’ Offense

The signing of Watkins could signify the Cardinals’ desire to add more speed and explosiveness to their offense. With quarterback Kyler Murray expected to return to full health in 2024, having a player like Watkins who can stretch the field vertically could be a significant asset.

Watkins’ ability to complement Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore, and tight end Trey McBride gives the Cardinals a diverse group of pass-catchers who can attack defenses in multiple ways. Whether lining up on the outside or in the slot, Watkins’ versatility makes him a valuable chess piece for Drew Petzing to deploy.

A Fresh Start for Watkins

For Watkins, signing with the Cardinals represents an opportunity to reset his career and prove he can be a consistent contributor at the NFL level. Despite showing promise in Philadelphia, he often found himself overshadowed by the Eagles’ top receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. In Arizona, he’ll have the chance to carve out a more significant role and showcase his talents in a new environment.

This fresh start could also allow Watkins to refine his skills and address areas for improvement, such as his consistency and contested-catch ability. With the Cardinals’ coaching staff invested in his development, Watkins has a real opportunity to take his game to the next level.

Conclusion

The Arizona Cardinals’ signing of Quez Watkins to a futures contract is a low-risk, high-reward move that reflects the team’s commitment to identifying and developing talent. Watkins brings elite speed and untapped potential to a Cardinals offense that is looking to rebound in 2024.

While futures contracts are often overlooked, Watkins’ signing could prove to be a pivotal step in the Cardinals’ rebuilding process. With the right coaching and opportunities, Watkins has the tools to become a valuable weapon for Arizona’s offense and make a name for himself in the NFL.