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449-pound rookie lands a new NFL job

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Sep 23, 2025 1:54 PM ET

A 449-pound rookie defensive lineman is getting another chance in the NFL.

Desmond Watson, who was in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has signed with the team’s practice squad. According to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, Watson successfully met the fitness targets the Buccaneers set for him, though it was not reported what those targets were.

Bucs are signing former Gators DT Desmond Watson to their practice squad. The massive prospect has met their requirements to get in shape and can now practice with the team. pic.twitter.com/qo1hFyTsw4
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 23, 2025

Watson garnered a lot of attention in training camp for being absolutely huge. He weighed in at 464 pounds at the NFL Combine and had gotten himself down to 449 pounds during training camp, but the Buccaneers wanted him to lose a little more weight in order to be effective. Ultimately, Watson was unable to do that before the start of the regular season, and the Bucs felt they had no choice but to move on from him.

The Buccaneers unquestionably kept an eye on Watson’s progress, since they brought him back quite quickly. The team likes his skillset, but he obviously needs to be in good enough shape in order to contribute in the NFL.

Watson, 22, played four seasons in college at the University of Florida. He went undrafted in April, but the Buccaneers brought him in as an undrafted free agent.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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