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2016 Free Agency: 6 Players over 30 Patriots may consider

By Connor Fulton

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs past St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Levi
January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) runs past St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Levi /
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2016 Free Agency Ben Watson
Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Benjamin Watson (82) scores a touchdown on a one-yard catch while defended by Detroit Lions strong safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (42) in the fourth quarter of the game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Benjamin Watson (35)

Speaking of veteran pass catchers, here’s a guy who Brady is very familiar with. Watson was a fan favorite during his six seasons in New England after being drafted with the 32nd overall pick in 2004.

Watson was one of Brady’s favorite targets in his Patriots tenure. Over those six seasons, Watson appeared in 71 regular season games for the Pats, snagging 167 passes for 2,102 yards and 20 touchdowns. He will always be remembered in Patriots fan lore for chasing down Champ Bailey in the 2005 Divisional Round loss.

10 MVPs from 2015 regular season

After a few quiet seasons with the New Orleans Saints playing behind Jimmy Graham, Watson exploded in 2015 for 825 yards and six touchdowns on 74 catches, all career highs for the 35-year-old. So Watson isn’t done in the NFL quite yet.

It’s quite possible that the Patriots will look in to signing the player they drafted in the first round a dozen years ago. Brady loves Watson, and may lobby to bring him back and have him complement Rob Gronkowski in two-tight end sets.

Next: 3. Brandon Browner (31)

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