Saints 2018 Year in Review: Benjamin Watson

Veteran tight end Benjamin Watson announced he would retire following the conclusion of the 2018 season. Unfortunately for Watson and the New Orleans Saints, the 2018 season didn’t end exactly as both would have hoped.

All in all, Watson finished the 2018 season with 400 receiving yards on 35 receptions and two touchdowns in 16 games (starting only four). Due to an appendicitis issue, Watson did not appear in the NFC Championship Game, but did play in the divisional round against the Philadelphia Eagles, hauling in his lone target for 12 yards.

Benjamin Watson - At a Glance

• Approximate Value: 5
• Offensive Grade: 71 (17th)
• Receiving Grade: 71.5 (14th)
• Pass Block Grade: 74.9 (8th)
• Run Block Grade: 55.5 (51st)
• Snap Count: 507 (48.24%) on offense & 16 (3.74%) on special teams

Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

While the sour ending to the Saints’ Super Bowl chase likely put a foul taste in Watson’s mouth for the season, but it wasn’t all disappointment in 2018.

For one, Watson was the recipient of Drew Brees’s historic 500th career touchdown pass, and it came against none other than Watson’s former team and the lone remaining team Drew Brees had left to beat: the Baltimore Ravens.

You can see immediately after Watson catches the pass, he holds up five fingers. This was Watson’s go-to celebration for his five kids. But that meant Watson was able to announce his wife’s pregnancy with twins in great NFL fashion.

Congratulations on the kids, Ben - and congratulations on a fantastic NFL career. Enjoy retirement!