Patriots Working Out Former Saints’ TE As Replacement To Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski announced his decision to retire, and his retirement came like a shock for the entire Patriots nation. Many thought that he would join his team in their effort to win the next Super Bowl. That wasn’t the case. Gronk is gone.

The New England Patriots are now looking for a tight end, and we all know that there won’t be another Gronk. Adam Schefter reported that the team has worked out former Saints’ TE Benhamin Watson. He wrote, “Former Saints’ TE Benjamin Watson, who had intended to retire, is in New England today visiting with the Patriots, per source. Watson also is considering the Chiefs, Bills and 49ers. His retirement didn’t last long.”

Benjamin Watson played six years of his professional career in New England and won a Super Bowl in 2005. Watson has a history with quarterback Tom Brady and their chemistry is really important in this case. There are not too many options on the market. Who is the next player to match Gronk’s magnitude?

Watson’s best season was in 2015. He was able to catch 74 passes with 825 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a member of the New Orleans Saints. The tight end was named a Pro Bowl alternate for his success. He was also a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

What makes Watson a good fit in New England? He has a steady veteran presence with 15 years of NFL experience. Watson is familiar with ow things go in New England, and he knows how players act. He is also familiar with the work of head coach Bill Belichick.

But, there’s also a rumor suggesting that Gronk may return. Even Rodney Harrison said he would come  back. He said, “Will he be back? I believe that he will. I believe in the second half of the season he’s going to get antsy. Right now, it’s summer time and you’re hot and everybody is on you. But, I think when you sit back and you actually start missing football and you look up and say, ‘My body feels pretty good.’ I think he’ll be back. I think there’s a possibility.”