The Chargers signed Watkins to the active roster Friday.

EDGE Analysis

With Jahleel Addae (calf) and Rayshawn Jenkins (ankle) ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Watkins will add depth at safety and may handle a decent workload. Watkins has played two games for the Chargers this year, logging 87 snaps on defense and six solo tackles.

Watkins was released by the Texans on Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's a bit surprising to see the Texans cut Watkins just a couple months into a two-year, $3 million contract, but it might be good news for the 28-year-old considering his former team, the Chargers, could be in need of safety help after the season-ending injury to Derwin James (knee). Watkins' versatility as a special teams player and flexible secondary member will likely afford him a contract with another team in the near future.

The Texans signed Watkins to a two-year, $3 million contract Friday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watkins played a depth role in the Chargers' secondary in 2019, and he was serviceable when thrust into the starting lineup from Weeks 9-11 due to injuries. The veteran safety also possesses some upside -- albeit limited -- on special teams.

Watkins posted 29 tackles (20 solo) and a pass deflection in 2019.

EDGE Analysis

Due to a litany of injuries at safety, Watkins was forced to start Weeks 9-11, recording 20 of his 29 tackles over the three-week span. Merely a depth option in the secondary, it's unclear whether the Chargers will bring the unrestricted free agent back this offseason.

Watkins finished Monday's 24-17 loss to Kansas City with 11 tackles.

EDGE Analysis

Watkins' stat line against the Chiefs included 11 tackles, but nothing else. The 27-year-old remains without a sack or interception in 2019, but Watkins continues to see his role increase with the Chargers as the weeks go by. On Monday, Watkins played 65 snaps on defense, a season-high.

Watkins signed a contract with the Chargers on Monday, MyNewsLa.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was initially a bit of a surprise when Los Angeles cut Watkins, considering the placement of standout strong safety Derwin James (foot) on injured reserve. Now back with the team, the 27-year-old is expected to help shoulder the load in place of the injured James, who underwent successful surgery Aug. 22 and will be eligible to return to game action in Week 9.

Watkins was released by the Chargers on Saturday, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This one was a bit surprising, as Watkins was expected to play a significant role as the team looked to replace Derwin James (foot). Instead, 2019 second-round pick Nasir Adderley will shoulder the extra snaps although it's possible Watkins could end up re-signing if the team needs depth in the secondary down the road.

Watkins (knee) did not record a tackle in Saturday's preseason loss to the Seahawks.

EDGE Analysis

Watkins missed a handful of practices during training camp with a knee injury, but the team has essentially allowed for the veteran safety to have routine maintenance-related time off. The 25-year-old is expected to be a major part of the team's secondary following the injury to Derwin James, who will be out for an extended period of time after undergoing surgery on his foot last week. Adrian Phillips, who slots in as the starting strong safety thanks to James' injury, likely will be the more valuable IDP option considering his expected near-the-line-of-scrimmage role, but Watkins could find his way onto the field often alongside fellow free safety Rayshawn Jenkins if Nasir Adderley (hamstring) winds up missing regular-season action.

Watkins (knee) did not practice Tuesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It sounds as if the veteran safety was simply getting a routine day off, but it's worth reiterating Watkins is embroiled in a heated battle for the starting free safety spot along with Nasir Adderley and Rayshawn Jenkins. It's entirely possible all three could see their fair share of snaps considering the Chargers propensity to utilize their secondary in many different facets, but situated alongside emerging second-year star Derwin James, the winner of the battle figures to be a potential sleeper candidate in deeper IDP formats.

Watkins (knee) is in contention for the starting free safety job, Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Watkins suffered a torn ACL during the 2018 preseason, but he's expected to be back to full health for the start of the team's offseason program. Rayshawn Jenkins likely has a leg up on the starting spot if only because he was able to play last season, but Watkins was pushing Jahleel Addae, who has since been released, for more playing time before suffering the untimely injury.