His days as a free agent were limited. After releasing veteran tight end Benjamin Watson last week, the defending champion New England Patriots have reportedly re-signed the pass-catcher on Monday.
Watson, 38, signed with the Patriots this past offseason after initially announcing his retirement.
The Super Bowl winner was then promptly handed a four-game suspension for failing a drug test. Once activated off the suspension list, New England waived Watson.
This was a necessary move for Bill Belichick and Co. New England’s tight ends have provided nothing of substance since the retirement of Rob Gronkowski. The combination of Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse have caught nine passes through six weeks.
A first-round pick of the Patriots back in 2004, Watson caught 35 passes for 400 yards as a member of the New Orleans Saints last season.