New England Patriots cut ties with Ben Watson

The New England Patriots cut ties tight end Benjamin Watson, who was returning from a four week long suspension. Watson, a former Georgia Bulldog, was suspended after failing a drug test. Watson contemplated retirement after losing in the 2018 NFC Championship Game to the Los Angeles Rams. The Saints are his most likely new destination.

The ex-New Orleans Saint was expected to suit up for the 5-0 Patriots, but they failed to activated him. The Patriots stuck with Ryan Izzo and company at the tight end position. Ian Rapoport reported the news:

#Patriots TE Ben Watson, who was not activated today by New England meaning his tenure is over, does want to keep playing, I’m told. So retirement gets pushed off against as he looks for a new home.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 7, 2019

It is a bummer for Watson, who wanted to go out with a second Super Bowl ring in New England. Watson responded to the move on Twitter:

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

At 38, Watson is likely entering his final season. Watson won a Super Bowl his rookie season with New England, but wasn’t a factor on the team as he spent the season on IR. Watson will try to both start and end his career with a Super Bowl victory, but will have to find a new team now.

Patriots QB Tom Brady had some kind words for Watson following his release:

. @TomBrady on @BenjaminSWatson release: “Pretty tough. … I’ll miss him. He was right next to me. As great 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, my family, our team.” pic.twitter.com/exmmbMzJpE

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 8, 2019