Benjamin Watson reportedly considering Chiefs, Patriots, 49ers and Bills
By Matt Conner
The latest reports from Adam Schefter is that four teams are in on Benjamin Watson, with the Kansas City Chiefs being one of them.
It was just over one year ago that Benjamin Watson and the Kansas City Chiefs were working out a contract. Somehow in the midst of working on such an agreement, the New Orleans Saints stepped in and overtook Watson’s interests. Now it seems like the same is happening again, at least in terms of mutual interest for the Chiefs and Watson to work something out one more time.
This time around, Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that Watson is interested in three other teams besides the Chiefs. The New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers are all reportedly on his wish list, per Schefter, and the visits have begun on Thursday with his trip to Foxborough.
The development that Watson is interested in playing again is news itself given that earlier this spring, the veteran tight end was ready to retire after an incredible 14-year career. Then rumors began to float that he could be talked out of retirement. Now there are four clear teams drawing his interest.
There’s no word as to whether or not Buffalo and San Francisco are interested on their end, but New England is curious enough to bring him in for a free agent visit. The Chiefs were ready to sign on the dotted line last year, and the overall smoke makes sense that Veach would be interested again.
Watson makes a lot of sense for Kansas City at this point given roster needs and the overall youth of the team. Watson would provide an instant locker room presence who could serve as an on-field coach and mentor to such a young offense. At the same time, Watson has proven to be especially effective and efficient as a pass-catching tight end even as he nears 40-years-old. He would provide security behind Travis Kelce and another reliable threat for Patrick Mahomes.
It will be interesting to see if Watson is committed to making visits to every place listed or whether the Patriots will offer him a deal. More details should be forthcoming as he completes his visit with the Pats.