The Metro West Daily News is reporting that Patriots first round pick Benjamin Watson, who has missed all of training camp in a contract dispute, fired his agent, IMG's Tom Condon, overnight.
The Daily News' Mike Reiss confirmed the news with the NFL Players Association and reported that Watson will likely hire Pat Dye Jr., who represents fellow Patriots rookie P.K. Sam, as his new representative. Watson must wait five days, according to NFLPA rules, to officially sign with a new agent.
Watson, a tight end out of Georgia and the 32nd pick in the draft, has missed the first 16 days of training camp while reportedly holding out for a five-year contract rather than the six-year deal the team would like him to sign.
The move could be a major development in negotiations. Sam, a fifth round pick, signed a five-year deal with club in July.
Watson and Chargers first round pick Philip Rivers are the only two first round selections who remain out of training camp.
