Bills decline Watkins' 5th-year option

The Buffalo Bills have declined the 2018 fifth-year option in wide receiver Sammy Watkins' contract, the team announced Tuesday.

"Sammy and I have had good conversations about this decision," head coach Sean McDermott said. "There is no question that Sammy is a very good football player and has worked very hard during his rehab this offseason. We look forward to seeing a healthy Sammy Watkins on the field in 2017."

Unless Buffalo slaps Watkins with the franchise tag or signs him to an extension, he will hit free agency after the 2017 season.

The decision is likely based on Watkins' struggles to stay healthy, since the option would be guaranteed against injury. The wideout is currently rehabbing a foot injury that will sideline him for part of the Bills' offseason program.

However, Watkins has shown flashes of superstar-level ability over his three seasons in the NFL, and could break the bank in free agency if he avoids further injury and returns to form in 2017.

It's a risk for the Bills, especially after giving up a king's ransom to trade up for the receiver during the 2014 NFL Draft. Beyond Watkins, Buffalo has little proven talent at the position.