Patriots Reportedly Release Veteran Tight End Ben Watson

The New England Patriots needed a new face at tight end following Rob Gronkowski's retirement, and they thought they found a viable successor in veteran Ben Watson.

Well, things got off to a rocky start when Watson was slapped with a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. He then suffered a concussion during the preseason following a hit to the head from Eric Reid.

The Pats didn't activate Watson for the Week 5 matchup with the Redskins, and on Monday the team released the 38-year-old.

It's somewhat of a surprising move from the Pats, considering the glaring need they have at tight end. Watson seemed a perfect fit to step in, but before he had a chance to take the field in the regular season, they sent him packing.

The release of Watson will free up $2 million in cap space for the team, so there could be more moves to come from the Pats.

Until Bill Belichick brings in someone else, the Patriots will have to rely on Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo to get the job done at tight end.

LaCosse, who has played four seasons in the league, has three receptions for 55 yards this year, while Izzo, a rookie out of Florida State, has logged four receptions for 83 yards.