Adam Schefter Addresses Patriots Bringing Back Ex- Tight End

The New England Patriots may get an ex-tight end back, and it is not Rob Gronkowski.

The Patriots have signed a few players this offseason. Gronk left an empty spot on their roster, and the team will have to fix that. Latest rumors suggest that former Patriots and Saints tight end Ben Watson may come out of retirement and continue his NFL career.

The veteran didn’t really say anything about his potential retirement. Is there any chance that he returns for his 16^th season in the NFL? Is he coming back to Foxboro? ESPN’s Adam Schefter appeared on WEEI’s Mut and Callahan Thursday, and used the opportunity to say that he wouldn’t be surprised if Watson unretires and joins the New England Patriots.

“I won’t be surprised if somehow Ben Watson, coming out of retirement, makes his way back to Foxboro,” Schefter said. “That won’t surprise me down the line.”

Watson was pretty sure about his retirement at the end of the past season with the New Orleans Saints.

“Former Saints’ TE Benjamin Watson, who intended to retire after last season, is now considering a return to the NFL, according to sources,” Schefter wrote a few days ago. “Watson is currently focused on welcoming twins next week. But after their arrival, he may be open to coming back to the right situation.”

Watson spend six seasons of his professional career with the Patriots. He was the team’s first-round pick (No. 32 overall) in the 2004 NFL Draft out of Georgia. Watson played with the Patriots at the time they won Super Bowl XXXIX and totaled 167 receptions for 2,102 yards and 20 touchdowns during his time with the Patriots.

After his tenure with the Patriots, Watson spent some time with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. The New Orleans Saints were the perfect home for him.

Watson was really productive with the Saints in 2015. He was able to catch 74 passes for 825 yards and six touchdowns. Last season Watson played in 16 regular season games and caught 35 of his 46 targets for 400 yards and two touchdowns.

Is Watson the right option for New England? Is he even coming out of retirement?