Justin Watson’s journey to the Kansas City Chiefs has been far from ordinary. Born and raised in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, Watson began turning heads at South Fayette High School before continuing his football career at the University of Pennsylvania. He balled out at Penn, breaking records left and right as a wide receiver. Watson was crucial in helping the team secure two Ivy League championships and earned three First-team All-Ivy League honors. Despite his impressive college resume, breaking into the NFL proved challenging. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
During his four seasons with the Buccaneers, Watson carved out a role as a depth receiver and special teams contributor. While his opportunities were limited, his persistence eventually paid off. Watson was part of the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning roster, securing his first championship ring. After completing his rookie contract and a short stint on Tampa Bay’s practice squad, Watson signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. The Chiefs initially brought him on with a one-year deal worth $1,035,000. Watson’s performance during that season earned him a two-year contract extension in 2023.
Watson’s new deal with the Chiefs totaled $3.4 million over two years, including $1.38 million in guaranteed money. The guaranteed portion covered a $150,000 signing bonus and his 2023 base salary of $1.08 million. His 2024 base salary is set to increase to $1.47 million. Overall, his average annual earnings come out to $1.7 million. Additional details of the contract include a $1.25 million cap hit in 2023 and a $1.4 million dead cap value. Watson also has a $30,000 per-game active bonus for 2024, potentially adding up to an extra $510,000 if he plays in all 17 games.
Justin Watson’s Contributions Over The Years And What’s Next For Him
Watson made steady contributions during the 2023 season, recording 21 receptions for 284 yards and two touchdowns, with an average of 13.5 yards per catch. Throughout his career, he has achieved 86 receptions for 1,317 receiving yards and nine touchdowns across 89 games. His career average stands at an impressive 15.3 yards per catch.
A standout moment in Watson’s career came recently on Christmas Day when the Chiefs faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in Watson’s hometown in Week 17. In a game that Kansas City won 29-10, Watson scored a touchdown and hauled in a 49-yard pass. Reflecting on the play, he shared that it brought back fond memories of playing on that same side of the field during his earlier years. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also praised Watson’s performance, saying, “I put it out there and let him make a play. I’m happy for him. This is home for him.”
Watson’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. Whether the Chiefs stick with Watson or he joins a new team, he’s more than just the numbers. He’s reliable, a great leader, and can do some of everything. Wherever he ends up, the team will definitely benefit from having him around.
