Watson visited the Browns on Thursday, when the club also hosted quarterback
Jake Delhomme(notes) and running back Justin Fargas(notes).
Delhomme is scheduled to visit the New Orleans Saints on Friday. While the
Super Bowl champions are looking for a backup for Drew Brees(notes), the Browns may see
Delhomme as their starter. That prospect could be enough for Cleveland to land
the 35-year-old, who was released by Carolina last week.
It is not known if the Browns offered Delhomme a contract.
Meanwhile, Watson should improve a position that has been thin for the
Browns since they traded Kellen Winslow(notes). Steve Heiden(notes), an 11-year-veteran, has
been plagued by injuries in recent years and was released by the club hours
after Watson’s signing. Robert Royal(notes) caught just 11 passes and had numerous
drops. Evan Moore(notes) was a late-season find off the practice squad but lacks
experience, which is why the Browns were excited to get Watson.
“We viewed Ben as one of the top all-around tight ends in the free agent
market,” Browns general manager Tom Heckert said in a statement. “Because of
his athleticism and intelligence, he has proven valuable as both a receiver and
blocker during his career, and has performed well in both facets. He comes from
a winning program in New England and possesses the traits that we like in a
player.
“We feel as though he can help us in many different areas and we are
excited about his addition to our team.”
Last season, the 29-year-old Watson started all 16 games and caught 29
passes for 404 yards and five touchdowns.
A first-round draft choice by the Patriots in 2004, the 6-foot-3,
255-pounder has made 47 career starts. He has caught 167 passes for 2,102 yards
and 20 touchdowns.
Watson had his best season in 2006, when he had 49 receptions for 643 yards
and three TDS. His only 100-yard receiving game came against the Browns in 2007.