The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Desmond Watson as an undrafted free agent knowing he wasn’t your typical NFL prospect.
The 6-foot-6 Watson played defensive tackle at the University of Florida while weighing more than 400 pounds. At the Gators’ Pro Day back in March, Watson tipped the scales at an astonishing 464 pounds.
Tampa Bay held the Plant City, Florida native out of practice during training camp as he attempted to cut down on his weight. On Monday, the team released Watson, one day before the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline.
Bucs are waiving rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson, who had been on the non-football illness list all of training camp. Had needed to get his weight down — could have moved him to reserve-NFI, but they’ll cut him outright. Not going to practice squad at the moment.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 25, 2025
FOX Sports’ Greg Auman broke the news.
“Bucs are waiving rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson, who had been on the non-football illness list all of training camp,” said Auman. “Had needed to get his weight down — could have moved him to reserve-NFI, but they’ll cut him outright. Not going to practice squad at the moment.”
Health was Tampa Bay’s biggest concern
The Buccaneers took a chance on Watson, but knowing his immense size and the difficulties it could pose, the team was cautious with what it allowed the 22-year-old to do this summer.
The team listed Watson as having a non-football illness to begin camp back in July, even after Watson dropped 15 pounds to get down to 449.
“It’s just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player on the field,” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said at the time, via theTampa Bay Times. “That’s kind of where I’m at right now. He’s working at it and we’re working with him and that’s all you can ask of him for right now.”
Watson continued to complete whatever workouts and tasks the team wanted, but earlier this month, general manager Jason Licht made it clear there was more he had to accomplish.
“We have some milestones we want him to hit before we get him out there,” Licht said. “He’s doing a solid job getting there. That’s all I’ll say.”
What comes next?
As Auman said, it doesn’t look like Tampa Bay has plans to stash Watson on its practice squad. It is possible that another team claims him on waivers, or look to bring him in at a later date.
Watson played in 51 college games, recording 63 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery, and he tested very well despite his size at Florida’s Pro Day. There’s some athletic material to work with, but he must find a way to slim down more.
Hopefully, the young defensive lineman will get another chance somewhere.
