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New England Patriots: Good things, new additions come in threes?

By Russell S. Baxter

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Dontrelle Inman #15 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Dontrelle Inman #15 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 04: Mark Barron #26 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Benjamin Watson #82 of the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 04: Mark Barron #26 of the Los Angeles Rams tackles Benjamin Watson #82 of the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

TE Benjamin Watson (from New Orleans Saints)

With the 32nd overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select…tight end Benjamin Watson, University of Georgia. That was obviously just over 15 years ago. But the veteran performer is still at it, although it appeared that the 38-year old pro had hung up his NFL cleats.

However, it appears the desire to play was still there given the right situation. And Bill Belichick and the defending Super Bowl champions were apparently difficult to turn down given their own needs. As has been extremely well-documented, the team saw superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski announce his retirement after nine entertaining seasons.

Over the last few months, the club added talented Austin Seferian-Jenkins (from the Jacksonville Jaguars) as well as Matt LaCosse. The former did catch 24 passes for the Denver Broncos this past season. But it would be a major surprise if Watson was in the team’s starting lineup in Week 1 vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In a combined 14 seasons with the Patriots, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens, he totaled 530 catches for 5,885 yards and 44 touchdowns. He’s also enjoyed his share of postseason experience with the Pats and Saints.

Paired with Seferian-Jenkins at times, Watson could be quite the inviting target for Tom Brady.

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