Patriots Release Tight End Ben Watson
Tuesday, October 08, 2019
The New England Patriots have released tight end Ben Watson, the team announced on Monday.
New England had until 4 p.m. on Monday to activate Watson to the 53-man roster, but did not do so, making him a free agent.
“I gave my all, but it was not enough to earn a spot on the Patriots roster. I’m beyond disappointed but even more upset for my family who has supported me with all the love a husband and father could ask for. They are my heroes,” wrote Watson in a tweet shortly after the news became official.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWith the release of Watson, the Patriots save approximately $2 million in cap space.
Watson in New England
Watson, 38, signed with the Patriots back in May after initially retiring from the NFL.
He was suspended for the first four games of the 2019 regular season for using a banned substance.
Upon his return from suspension, he was not activated to the 53-man roster for the Patriots road game against the Washington Redskins.
Watson was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and played the first six seasons of his career in New England.
Resetting the Tight End Position
The release of Watson leaves the Patriots with Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse at the tight end position.
Izzo has played in all five games and has four catches on five targets and one touchdown.
Against the Redskins, Izzo hauled in two catches for 39 yards and a touchdown.
LaCosse played in three of the five games and has three catches for 55 yards. He has mostly served as a blocker.
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