The Los Angeles Rams are coming off an encouraging campaign where they broke through with their first playoff appearance in well over a decade.

Next on the agenda for the front office will be several key roster decisions concerning free agency. One of which is the future of star wide receiver Sammy Watkins. However, Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News speculates that he should return to Los Angeles for at least another season.

It's hard to believe how young Watkins still is, given he just played his fourth NFL season for a second team. He may be a boom-or-bust deep threat, but his utpside is high in that role despite a low-volume first year with the Rams. There's a good chance he stays in Los Angeles to keep things intact for Jared Goff.

Since the Rams bowed out of the playoffs in the wildcard round, Watkins has continued to voice a strong desire to re-sign with the team. He was acquired from the Buffalo Bills last offseason where he immediately stepped into a significant role in the passing recording 39 catches on 70 targets for 593 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

Although his production dipped by his standards, Watkins is one of the primary pieces of the offense that could be featured more heavily in the passing game next season as he builds a stronger connection with Pro Bowl quarterback Jared Goff. It will also give him the opportunity to have a full training camp to fully learn the ins and out of head coach Sean McVay's offense.

There has already been chatter that the Rams are expected to place the franchise tag on him at some point over the next couple of weeks as the team can use that designation between Feb. 20 to March 6. This would provide them an extended period of time to work out a long-term deal until July 16 at 4 p.m. ET. If anything, it at least keeps Watkins in the fold for next season where he could be a major piece on the Rams as they look to take the next step toward reaching the Super Bowl.