The Patriots are keeping their options open, declining to activate tight end Ben Watson to keep $2.06 million in remaining salary cap space.

With Watson’s four-game PED suspension over, the Patriots needed to either put the 39-year-old tight end on the active roster or release him and they opted for the latter on Monday. Watson was paid a $600,000 signing bonus by New England.

“The God of victory is also God in failure,” Watson tweeted. “I gave my all, but it was not enough to earn a spot on the Patriots roster. I’m beyond disappointed but even more upset for my family who has supported me with all the love a husband and father could ask for. They are my heroes. Rom 8:28.”

The Patriots will keep open available money and continue to go with Matt LaCosse and Ryan Izzo at tight end. So far, they’ve been just fine at the position, going 5-0 as they prepare for a Thursday night contest against the Giants.

One possible option down the road is coaxing Rob Gronkowski out of retirement, though he seems at peace with his decision to walk away from the game, at least for now.