It feels like ages ago that Ben Watson was a first-round pick by the Patriots.
And in the not for long world of the NFL, the tight end's arrival in New England as Bill Belichick's top pick in 2004 would probably qualify as ages ago.
Watson played the first six seasons of his professional career in Foxborough before moving on to Cleveland, New Orleans and Baltimore. Now, with 14 seasons of NFL action under his belt, the 38-year-old is apparently considering a return to the Patriots.
The Boston Globe reports that Watson is in town for a free agent visit. The Globe also has Rams coach Sean McVay saying that he overprepared for the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.
The Boston Herald notes that the Patriots released veteran receiver Bruce Ellington, who had signed with New England as a free agent this offseason.
The Providence Journal declares that Belichick uncovered a gem in linebacker Kyle Van Noy. The ProJo also has word of the Ellington release.
ESPNBoston.com notes that the Patriots rookies are in Foxborough on Thursday to open a mini-camp and for the annual photo op with top pick N'Keal Harry, but also reminds the world to not forget about the 2018 rookie class.
WEEI.com passes on the report of the Watson visit. WEEI.com also notes an interesting story about Tom Brady giving some ACL recovery advice to Jimmy Garoppolo at the Kentucky Derby. The story was first reported by the Mercury News.
NBC Sports Boston also has the Watson visit. NBC Sports Boston passes along Mike Lombardi talking about how the Patriots will analyze the decisions they made the in draft, especially trades.
NFL.com notes Watson is coming out of his previously announced retirement to visit the Patriots. NFL.com has a story listing one guy to root for on every NFL team in 2019, apparently picking rookie WR N'Keal Harry for the Patriots over an obvious candidate in Pro Bowl fullback James Develin. NFL.com's bold predictions include Bill coach Sean McDermott winning Coach of the Year honors, meaning they seemingly expect Buffalo to compete with the Patriots in the AFC East.
Boston.com revisits the idea that Brady plans to put on a little more weight this offseason leading into 2019.
