Patriots TE Ben Watson Planning To Retire Again

Patriots TE Ben Watson said he likely won’t be back in New England in 2020, adding it also means he’s likely done with football.

“It’s difficult. I love this game, but there’s a time when you definitely have to move on. So definitely won’t be back here next year, probably, and then probably won’t be playing at all,” Watson said, via USA Today’s Henry McKenna. “It’s something that I’ve tried to do before and it didn’t work. But there’s only so much your body can take, and so much you want to put your family though, before you want to settle down and have some roots. Figure out what the next chapter of your life is going to be. So we’re going to talk about it, of course, and make family decisions but it’s been a great run and it’s really special to be back here.”

Watson returned out of retirement to sign with the Patriots this season. However, the veteran tight end was limited to 10 games following a four-game suspension and subsequent release by New England. 

Watson, 39, is a former first-round pick of the Patriots back in 2004. He spent six years in New England before joining the Browns in 2010.

Watson signed on with the Saints for the 2013 season and spent three years in New Orleans before joining the Ravens on a two-year, $7 million contract in 2016.

The Saints brought Watson back last year on a one-year contract. He signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Patriots during the offseason. 

In 2019, Watson appeared in 10 games for the Patriots and caught 17 passes for 173 yards receiving and no touchdowns.