Report: Patriots won't activate TE Ben Watson

The veteran tight end will have to find another team to play for after returning from his four-game suspension.

New England Patriots veteran tight end, Ben Watson, who was eligible to return from his four-game suspension as early as this past weekend, won't be activated by the Patriots, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. 

The Patriots won’t be activating TE Benjamin Watson, per a source.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 7, 2019

Watson, at 38 years old, says he still wants to play, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. He will look for another team to play for following his release. 

#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

This is an interesting move. With the trade deadline coming up, the release of Watson may have had to do with a lack of depth at many others position, leading to New England freeing up a roster spot but thinning out an already thin group. 

The TE position has been rather ineffective through five weeks of regular season play, and adding Watson may have not helped it become more potent. So, why not free up a roster spot and attempt to trade for a much more talented player at another position of serious need.