On Monday, the New England Patriots released tight end Benjamin Watson; after failing to active him following the serving of a four-game suspension (PEDs). Quarterback Tom Brady didn't seem too happy with the decision.

“Pretty tough, you know? Pretty tough,” Brady said when asked about Watson during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday, per Sean T. McGuire of Patriots Wire. “It’s tough for a lot of guys, I’ve played with a lot of guys over the years. Ben’s a great player. He’s been a great player for this team, for other teams. He’s had an incredible career. Hopefully he can keep playing. I know he was looking forward to playing.”

I miss him. He was right next to me (in locker room),” Brady continued. “For as great as a player he was, he was 10 times a better person. Just the highest integrity. I can’t say enough good things about Ben, what he’s meant to me, my family, our team. We’re gonna miss him.”

Before the regular-season, Watson was thought to be the Patriots' starting tight end at the age of 38. New England brought him out of retirement after Rob Gronkowski hung-up his cleats. However, when it came time to activate him, coach Bill Belichick decided there was no room for him. 

Without Watson in the mix, the Patriots are going to roll with the younger options, Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo. Both are spending their first years in Foxboro, and have combined for seven receptions, 138 yards and a touchdown.