Benjamin Watson Net Worth $10 Million and High Earning Contract Solidifies His Financial Success

In the 2004 NFL Draft, he was selected in the first round (32nd overall) by the New England Patriots. During his rookie season, Watson became a Super Bowl champion when the Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. Over the course of his career, he also played for the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and New Orleans Saints.

Early Life and High School Years

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Watson grew up with a strong sense of faith and discipline, values instilled by his parents, Ken and Diana Watson. He attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he excelled both on and off the field. As a senior on the football team, Watson caught 31 passes for 515 yards, earning recognition as a two-time All-Region selection. His leadership and talent were evident early, as he led his team to the state championship during his junior year and was honored as Northwestern High School’s Student of the Year.

In addition to football, Watson was a standout in track and field. He showcased his speed and athleticism with personal-best times of 22.37 seconds in the 200-meter dash and 50.03 seconds in the 400 meters. His success in both sports highlighted his versatility and set the stage for his future as a professional athlete.

High School Achievements

Football: Two-time All-Region selection; contributed to a state championship run.
Track and Field: Personal bests of 22.37 seconds (200m) and 50.03 seconds (400m).
Leadership: Active in The Fellowship of Christian Athletes and recognized for his academic and athletic excellence.
Watson's early years were defined by a commitment to hard work, faith, and a drive to succeed, traits that would later define his NFL career and life beyond the game.

Benjamin Watson Net Worth

As of 2025, Benjamin Watson's net worth is estimated to be approximately $10 million. Watson is the author of "Under Our Skin," a book about racial issues, and is known for appearing in interviews and documentaries.His combination of NFL earnings, endorsement deals, and post-career ventures solidifies his financial success.

Benjamin Watson Contract and Salary

Rookie Contract (2004): After being drafted 32nd overall by the Patriots in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Watson signed a six-year, $8.36 million contract. The deal included a $3.81 million signing bonus. This contract was one of the more lucrative rookie deals for a tight end at the time.

Free Agent Contract (2010): Watson signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Cleveland Browns, earning an annual average of $4 million. This reflected his status as a proven starter with the Patriots.

First Stint (2013): Watson joined the Saints on a three-year, $4.95 million contract, which included $1.8 million guaranteed and a $1.2 million signing bonus.

Second Stint (2018): After his time with the Ravens, Watson returned to the Saints on a one-year, $2 million deal, which included a $645,000 signing bonus.

Two-Year Contract (2016): Watson signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Ravens, with $3 million guaranteed and a $2 million signing bonus. Unfortunately, a torn Achilles tendon in the preseason sidelined him for the entire 2016 season. He returned in 2017 to record 61 receptions and four touchdowns.

One-Year Deal (2019): Watson came out of retirement to sign a one-year, $3 million contract with the Patriots. However, his season was interrupted by a four-game suspension for a failed drug test.

Benjamin Watson Retitrement

On May 10, 2019, Benjamin Watson decided to come out of retirement and rejoined the New England Patriots, the team that had drafted him back in 2004. His return to the Patriots was seen as a full-circle moment in his illustrious career.

However, on May 27, 2019, Watson announced that he had failed a test for performance-enhancing drugs. During his brief retirement earlier that year, his doctor had prescribed a testosterone supplement for medical reasons. Unfortunately, this resulted in a violation of the NFL's drug policy, and the league handed him a four-game suspension at the start of the season.

Watson made his 2019 debut on October 21 in a Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets, where the Patriots secured a commanding 33–0 victory. During the game, Watson contributed with three catches for 18 yards. Later that season, in the Wild Card round against the Tennessee Titans, Watson delivered a solid performance with three catches for 38 yards, although the Patriots ultimately fell 20–13, ending their playoff run.

On March 16, 2020, Watson announced his second and final retirement from professional football, closing the chapter on a 15-year career filled with resilience, leadership, and numerous contributions both on and off the field.