Benjamin Watson returns to New Orleans Saints in 1-year deal

Benjamin Watson is back in The Big Easy.

The veteran tight end signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN.

Watson, 37, played for New Orleans from 2013-15. During the three seasons, he caught 113 passes for 1,187 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his final season with the Saints in 2015, he had a career-best 74 receptions for 825 yards and six touchdowns.

RELATED: How Christianity influences Benjamin Watson’s worldview

One of the most respected players in the league, Watson was this year’s recipient of the Bart Starr Award, awarded to the player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community.

Awarded during the Super Bowl Breakfast, sponsored by Athletes In Action, Watson ended the program by presenting the Gospel to the estimated 1,700 people who attended the event.

“The gift of God is eternal life,” Watson said. “Not through your works. Not through your efforts, not through your kindness, not through your justice, not through your righteousness, but through Jesus Christ, our Lord. You see Jesus came, not to just be a teacher, not to give us great quotes. He came because he was fully God and fully man. Only someone who is sinless can pay the price for sin.

“I love football. I do. I’ve loved it my whole life, since I was a kid. But football is going to fade away. But only our relationship with Him will last eternally.”

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