The New Orleans Saints signed tight end Benjamin Watson to a three-year contract on Monday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Ben Watson signs with New Orleans Saints, according to report
The New Orleans Saints have signed Ben Watson to be their backup tight end behind Jimmy Graham.
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Watson is a long-time veteran of the NFL, having entered the league in 2004, with the New England Patriots. Since then, he's amassed 3,776 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns. In 2010, he went to the Cleveland Browns and played there until now.
In 2012, Watson had 49 receptions (82 targets), and 501 yards, with three touchdowns. Those aren't huge numbers, but given the state of the Browns' offense with Brandon Weeden at quarterback, it seems to indicate that Watson still has something left in the tank.
Watson has been a starter for much of his career, but he definitely won't be that guy with the Saints next season. They are set at the position with Jimmy Graham as the starter. Graham had 982 yards and nine touchdowns for the Saints last season.
What the Saints need, however, is a backup. Mike Higgins is the only guy behind Graham and he’s not a pass-catching tight end by any means. Watson should be able to come in and provide yet another dependable target for the Saints’ high flying offense.
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