this is stupid. First of all, mentioning the trade-up is a sunk-cost fallacy. It has no bearing on giving Watkins the 5th year option or not. And so what if the franchise tag is more than the option? If Sammy balls out and we franchise him, I'm sure the Bills will be pleased to do so! Or, you know, sign him to a longer contract. If he doesn't, or he gets hurt, we are not on the hook for an absurd amount of money for him.
This is a win-win for everyone - including Sammy. He gets to prove his worth now.