The New England Patriots won’t be getting tight end reinforcements after all.
Per ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the team will not be activating Ben Watson before today’s 4 p.m. deadline. Watson will now become a free agent.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed Watson’s release on his Twitter account.
New England Patriots officially have released TE Ben Watson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2019
Watson was suspended the first four games of the season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. He came out of retirement to join the Patriots at the start of the training camp.
With Watson suffering a concussion during the preseason at the hands of Eric Reid combined with his release, it is a legitimate question as to whether the 38-year-old will call it a career for good.
Watson posted a tweet expressing his disappointment in his release.
The God of victory is also God in failure. 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. Rom 8:28
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) October 7, 2019
