FOXBOROUGH -- 4 p.m. came and went without Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson being activated to the roster, and thus he is now a free agent.
The Patriots got a roster exemption for him last week, but after he was not activated before Sunday's game, the team had until Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. to activate him or else he would become a free agent, and that is what ultimately happened.
Watson, who was suspended the first four games of the year, was in the locker room as the 4 o'clock deadline approached and he appeared to be cleaning out his locker.
The move frees up roughly $2 million in cap space for the team, which potentially could be used towards adding a player as the trade deadline approaches. Right now, the Patriots have just under $4 million in cap space.
Watson himself confirmed not being activated via Twitter, and NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reports the 38-year-old wants to keep playing.
The God of victory is also God in failure. I gave my all, but it was not enough to earn a spot on the @Patriots roster. I'm beyond disappointed but even more upset for my family who has supported me with all the love a husband and father could ask for.They are my heroes. Rom 8:28
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) October 7, 2019



