Former UGA TE Benjamin Watson back on field, restructures deal with Ravens
Former Georgia tight end Benjamin Watson returned to practice for the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday for the first time since suffering a torn Achilles last year.
The former Bulldog expressed his gratitude to be back on the field on Twitter.
TE Benjamin Watson returned to practice today after working his way back from a torn Achilles.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 13, 2017
Long way to go but so good to be back on the field with everyone. Day by Day. đđđŸ https://t.co/tmsK5NYHY3
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) June 13, 2017
Watson missed the entire 2016 season after suffering the injury during the preseason. He also restructured his contract last week, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. The new deal reportedly reduced Watson’s salary from $3 million to $1.25 million, with $750,000 guaranteed.
However, the contract has incentives that would allow Watson to earn as much as $3 million this season. The move could clear as much as $1.75 million in cap space for Baltimore while allowing Watson the opportunity to stay on the team.
The Ravens needed help at tight end after they released Dennis Pitta, who recently suffered a hip injury. Watson will offer another target in the passing game to go along with No. 1 receiver Mike Wallace and the recently acquired Jeremy Maclin.
Baltimore is also reportedly interested in Eric Decker, who was released by the New York Jets on Monday.
Watson signed with the Ravens in 2016 after three years with the New Orleans Saints. He played at Georgia from 2001-2003 before getting drafted in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
