Benjamin Watson is a Cleveland Brown.
Watson, a free agent tight end who played his entire six-year career with the New England Patriots, has signed a three-year deal with the Browns. As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it’s a $12 million contract with $6.35 million guaranteed.
A league source who confirmed the deal to PFT says the $6.35 million guaranteed will be paid out completely in the first year of the deal.
Browns coach Eric Mangini was an assistant coach in New England during Watson’s first two seasons with the Patriots.
The 29-year-old Watson was generally regarded as the best tight end available in free agency. He played in all 16 games for the Patriots last season, starting seven and catching 29 passes for 404 yards and five touchdowns.