Ben Watson's new reported contract suggests Patriots will keep him around

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It's been a roller-coaster 2019 season already for Ben Watson. But it appears the ride has come to a stop.

Watson re-signed with the New England Patriots on Tuesday, eight days after the team released him. According to ESPN's Mike Reiss and The Boston Globe's Ben Volin, the veteran tight end is getting a $1.236 million base salary -- $800,000 of which is guaranteed.

That chunk of guaranteed change is a sign the Patriots want to keep Watson around for the remainder of the season. If he stays healthy, he should see plenty of opportunity, as Ryan Izzo and recently-signed blocking tight end Eric Tomlinson are New England's only other active tight ends with Matt LaCosse sidelined due to injury.

Watson has yet to play in a game this season, missing the first four contests due to suspension and not traveling with the Patriots for their Week 5 game in Washington before he was released prior to Week 6.

The Patriots also benefited from releasing and re-signing the 38-year-old tight end, as they'll save over $1 million in cap space, according to the Boston Sports Journal's Miguel Benzan.

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