Former New Orleans Saints tight end Ben Watson, who intended to retire, will instead sign a one-year, $3 million deal with the New England Patriots, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Watson, per Schefter, was also considering the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers.

Watson started his career in New England, playing six seasons with the Patriots after the team drafted him in the first round of the 2004 Draft, before moving on to the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and two stints with the Saints.

The 38-year-old finished last year with 35 receptions for 300 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games with four starts.