New England Patriots Re-Sign Ben Watson After Surprise Cut

Veteran tight end Ben Watson went up and down this week, but things worked out really good for him. Last Monday, the Patriots decided not to activate Watson from the exempt list as he came off of a suspension. The team released the veteran, but they did resign him a week later.

Coach Bill Belichick said there wasn’t an empty roster spot for Watson. They will place fullback Jakob Johnson on injured reserve, and that makes enough room.

Quarterback Tom Brady was really disappointed to lose Watson.

“Pretty tough. Pretty tough,” he said last week. “I’ve played with a lot of guys over the years, and Ben’s a great player. He’s been a great player for this team, for other teams. He’s had an incredible career, and hopefully he can keep playing. I know he was looking forward to playing. I miss him. (His locker) was right next to me. And for as great of a player he was, he was 10 times a better person. Just the highest integrity. I can’t say enough good things about Ben, what he’s meant to me and my family and our team. We’re going to miss him.”

Watson was disappointed too.
“No I wouldn’t categorize it as bitterness. Definitely disappointed and sad about the situation,” Watson said. “It’s different when it’s just you, but when you’re a father, a husband and making decisions with your family, there is more to consider and it adds to it. It’s one thing for me to deal with being released, but telling my kids and then having them go to school and deal with it, all of that goes into it.

“I understand the business side of it. I wish I had earned a roster spot, but obviously, I didn’t do enough. I do know when it comes to football, it’s a team sport and it’s about momentum and camaraderie. Coaches make decisions on what they think is the best grouping of players for their roster.”

Hopefully, the veteran will be of great help for the Patriots in their effort to win more games this season. They are after their seventh ring.