Watson retained his role as the primary tight end and became the only returning tight end after the Patriots released David Thomas and signed free agents Chris Baker and Michael Matthews. He started the Patriots' season-opener against the Buffalo Bills and recorded a season-high six receptions for 77-yards and caught two touchdown passes during a 25–24 victory. He finished the 2009 season with 29 receptions for 404 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 16 games and seven starts. The Patriots finished atop the AFC East with a 10–6 record and saw a first-round exit in the playoffs after losing 33–14 to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wildcard Game. Watson became an unrestricted free agent for the first time in 2010 and was open to returning to the Patriots, but did not receive a contract offer.