Jaylen

Watkins

Signed to a two-year, $3 million contract in March, Watkins will merely cash in the $300,000 bonus he received upon signing his deal. The 28-year-old only totaled 29 tackles in 14 games last year but could end up reuniting with the Chargers given Derwin James’ season-long absence.

Watkins played 36 games with the Eagles from 2014-2017 before reemerging with the Chargers in 2019. The results weren’t all that great: 14 games, three starts and 29 tackles. Overall, PFF graded Watkins as their No. 79 overall safety among 90 qualified players.

He went down after tackling Kerryon Johnson in Sunday’s Week 2 loss to Detroit. With Phillips hurt and Derwin James (foot) on injured reserve with a stress fracture, the Chargers are now down a pair of All-Pro safeties. It’s uncertain if Phillips’ injury is a season-ender, though obviously he’s going to be on the shelf a while. Jaylen Watkins spelled Phillips at strong safety after his injury Sunday and should soak up most of the snaps there going forward.

Watkins didn’t play in 2018 due to a torn ACL and will now have to fight for a roster spot elsewhere to find the field in 2019. The Chargers should be just fine without him considering they boast more than a few competent cornerbacks in their loaded secondary.

Watkins is a depth option for the Chargers as they look to replace stud safety Derwin James, who just went to the injured reserve. Watkins didn’t play in 2018 due to an ACL, so anything he contributes this year should be considered a bonus.

Watkins spent last year on injured reserve after tearing his ACL in a preseason game. Even if he’s healthy, the 27-year-old may struggle for playing time in a loaded Chargers secondary.

Watkins will miss the rest of the year after tearing his ACL in Saturday’s preseason game against the Seahawks. It’s a tough blow for a secondary that already lost Jason Verrett to a torn Achilles. The 26-year-old is headed for free agency after this year.

He was an exclusive rights free agent. Watkins held his own in 387 defensive snaps in 2016, most of those coming at safety, but his biggest impact moving forward will likely come on special teams.

Watkins started at outside corner but only lasted a quarter before going down. He was ruled out in the second half. With Rodney McLeod also sidelined, the Eagles are down to Corey Graham at safety.

Sammy’s younger brother played corner and safety at Florida before being taken with the 101st pick in last year’s draft. Moving to safety is Watkins’ best chance at playing time based on the Eagles’ need next to Malcolm Jenkins. Special teams remains Watkins’ likeliest area of 2015 contribution.