Sammy Watkins motivated to succeed with Packers: 'My back is against the wall'

New Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sammy Watkins promises to get his shot at super stardom alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers after signing a one-year deal for a team with very little returning production on the outside. The former Clemson star has not quite met expectations so far, but he is now playing with a contender in a key role.

During an interview with NFL.com, Sammy Watkins discussed his mentality while playing with the Packers this season.

“I told the coaches, ‘My back is against the wall,'” Watkins said. “My career hasn’t been what I projected it to be.”

He went more in-depth on his past injury history and how it has created difficulties creating an established career with consistent production.

“That’s been the knock on my career — to stay on the field,” said Watkins. “When I’m on the field, I can ball, I can catch balls, I can score and I’m a dominant player. But the key is staying on the field. … To get that call definitely changed my whole outlook on coming into this season and how I want to play, and I just can’t wait to get started. “I’m not done yet. I feel like I got a lot more in my tank, a lot more football to be played at the highest level, and hopefully, I can be consistent and stay on the field.”

Last season, Watkins played in 11 games for Baltimore, catching 27 passes for 394 yards and a touchdown. The former first-round pick is now going to his fifth team since 2014. He started his career in Buffalo before spending one season with the Chargers, three with the Chiefs and his last with the Ravens.

Sammy Watkins contract details

Some details have begun trickling out on veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins‘ new deal with the Green Bay Packers. ESPN reporter Rob Demovsky revealed that Watkins’ one-year deal is largely activity-based despite the initially reported $4 million price tag. With a $350,000 signing bonus and a $1.12 million base, the Packers are offering Watkins a big opportunity for more if he makes the active roster and plays many games.

The $1.85 million total includes $19,441 in pay per game active throughout the season. Demovsky also reported potential incentives up to $4 million but could not provide those detailed incentives yet.

As Sammy Watkins looks to continue his NFL career and the Packers look to fill some holes, the team up makes a lot of sense. The front office worked up a deal in Green Bay for the former Clemson star wide receiver in quick fashion this offseason.