Saints’ Watson to retire after postseason

NEW ORLEANS (UPI) — New Orleans Saints tight end Ben Watson plans to retire after the team’s postseason run. The 14-year veteran made the announcement on NFL Network. “It’s time,” Watson said. “It’s time to be done. I’m gonna finish strong.” Watson, 38, has 371 yards and two scores on 33 receptions in 15 games this season. The veteran target won a Super Bowl in 2005 with the New England Patriots. Watson has 528 catches for 5,856 yards and 44 touchdowns in 194 career games. He has also suited up for the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.

After 15 years of football, @BenjaminSWatson is ready to hang up his jersey and fully enjoy his #1 job as a father of five, as he awaits his two newest additions. #NFLFilmsPresents: Ben Watson@Saints pic.twitter.com/pXnYlXL7hB

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) December 27, 2018

The Saints host the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. New Orleans is 13-2 on the season and has already clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC through the playoffs, giving the Saints home field advantage.