Is Ben Watson all but gone?

[carolinatony]

from the Herald
BostonHerald.com - Blogs: Rap Sheet Blog Archive Tight end Ben Watson and the Patriots… “Not a lot of interest from either side”
"not a lot of interest on either side.”

After six seasons with the Patriots, tight end Benjamin Watson is finally a free agent. But in uncertain economic times, after a six-year, $7.5-million deal, he’s open to everyone.

But will he return to the Patriots?

Just talked to someone with knowledge of his situation down here in Mobile and it doesn’t look promising. In fact, I’m told there’s “not a lot of interest on either side.”

Watson may want to head to a place that’ll give him more than 29 catches for 404 yards with five TDs. And apparently, Watson was more the choice of Scott Pioli than Bill Belichick on draft day, anyway.This could be a split that’s best for both sides.

It hasn’t been the greatest of years for Watson. Some wondered if he would be cut in the preseason, then he had two big TD catches in the opener but hasn’t had much to cheer about since.

This doesn’t mean there’s no chance for Watson to be a Patriot in 2010. If the market is really bad for him, he may not have much of a choice, if they make him an offer. But based on what I hear, it’s looking like he’ll head elsewhere


We may need a TE but even if Jermaine Gresham is there I hope we don't take one in the first round.

 

[SanAngeloState]

Feel bad for him, he kind of got shanghied into signing a 6 year deal in the first place.

Makes me feel better that Pioli wanted him, now that Pioli is gone. He was an athlete first football player maybe 3rd.

 

[DocE]

I had it in my mind that Watson was likely to return. I don't see him getting a huge contract on the open market, and the Patriots don't have a replacement on the roster, but it sure doesn't look likely after reading that piece.

I certainly don't like the idea of Chris Baker as our no.1 TE, but I like the idea of using a no.1 on a TE even less.

If the playoffs have tought us anything, it's that the Patriots are severely short of offensive weapons.

 

[PatsChamp88]

Seems like hes on his way out..

 

[carolinatony]

I had it in my mind that Watson was likely to return. I don't see him getting a huge contract on the open market, and the Patriots don't have a replacement on the roster, but it sure doesn't look likely after reading that piece.

I certainly don't like the idea of Chris Baker as our no.1 TE, but I like the idea of using a no.1 on a TE even less.

If the playoffs have tought us anything, it's that the Patriots are severely short of offensive weapons.

Well....I guess we can always go all Offensive with our fist 4 picks.
I believe these guys would help us

RB CJ Spiller
TE Jermaine Gresham
WR Dez Bryant Oklahoma State
OG Mike Iupati Idaho

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Good luck to Ben, he's earned it.

Moeaki & Dray.

 

[mgteich]

Agreed.....

Good luck to Ben, he's earned it.

 

[NePatriots]

Good luck to Ben, he's earned it.

Moeaki & Dray.

MOEAKI!!!!!!! I can say it all day.

 

[mayoclinic]

I'd love Watson to stay, but I don't think he's a priority compared to Wilfork, Bodden, Mankins and Gostkowski. We'll be fine with Baker (who was severely underutilized in 2009) and a couple of young guys. Moeaki and Dray would be sweet. Jimmy Graham from Miami might be an option.

 

[MaineMan]

I think the Pats probably let Watson walk and replace him in the second round.

 

[Kontradiction]

I suspect Watson will continue his career in Kansas City.

 

[Tyler.Durden]

considering how little we utilised a te on ofense this year and how many other pressing needs we have. I'd be serioously surprised if we drafted a te on the 1st day.

 

[patsfan-1982]

if watson is looking for a team to throw him the ball more then he should stay away from KC denver and any other team runing the pats offense the TE is just a blocker in this system.


the giants. jets. the fish and the ravens would all be a good fit for him

 

[WhiZa]

I dont see any TE in this draft with his ability, so unless we draft a WR to help open up the field it would be a huge loss in the passing game