Veteran tight end Ben Watson intended to retire after last season, but is now reportedly thinking about returning in 2019, for what would be his 16th season, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
The 38-year-old Watson, whose contract with the New Orleans Saints expired after the 2018 season, ranks 14th among tight ends in NFL history with 530 career receptions. Watson has totaled 5,885 yards and 44 touchdown catches off those receptions.
Watson had previously said that 2018 would be his final season in the NFL. A first-round pick of the New England Patriots in the 2004 draft, Watson has also played for the Browns and Ravens. He has also been a two-time finalist for the league's Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
“I knew coming into this year that it probably would be the last year,” Watson said at the end of last season. “And I think our approach was as a family that we were fortunate to come and play for another year, but you kind of know. It's been great to be a part of this team and have this sort of winning at this point of my career. But the injuries add up, the body struggles more and more. And it becomes evident that it's time.”
Watson played in every game for the Saints last season, catching 35 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns in his second stint with the Saints.