Buccaneers Release Heaviest Player in NFL History Before Season

Buccaneers Roster Decisions

Watson’s release highlights the difficult decisions NFL front offices face as they move from training camp to regular-season rosters. Tampa Bay’s defensive line already has a mix of veteran talent and younger depth pieces, which left little room for a developmental project.

At more than 400 pounds, Watson was seen as a situational player who could plug the middle, but questions about conditioning and mobility followed him since his college days with the Florida Gators.

The Buccaneers seem to be emphasizing speed and flexibility across their defensive front in 2025, an approach that favors lighter but more explosive linemen. Keeping roster spots for players who can rotate across multiple roles appears to be a priority for head coach Todd Bowles. Tampa Bay will lean on names like Vita Vea, C.J. Brewer, and Logan Hall to anchor the defensive line going forward.

Tampa Bay 2025 Outlook

The Buccaneers enter the 2025 season with expectations of competing for a playoff spot in the NFC. The team is coming off a season where it showed flashes of growth, and with key pieces returning, Tampa Bay believes it can push deeper into the postseason picture.

Baker Mayfield remains at quarterback, supported by playmakers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, giving the Bucs a passing attack that can stretch defenses. Godwin just came off the Physically Unable to Perform list after fracturing and dislocating his ankle in Week 7. His limited availability early should give Emeka Egbuka a chance. The Buccaneers drafted him 19th overall out of Ohio State.

Defensively, the team is looking to reestablish itself as one of the toughest units in the league. While the release of Watson closes the chapter on a short experiment, the focus is on players who fit the speed-driven system.

The Buccaneers are also counting on improvements in their secondary and linebacker corps to balance the defensive scheme. Antonie Winfield Jr., Haason Reddick, and Jamel Dean are all going to play vital roles for the NFC South squad.

Buccaneers Season Opener

Tampa Bay opens its 2025 campaign against the Atlanta Falcons in a matchup that will set the tone for both teams in the divisional standings. The Bucs will be looking to prove that their roster decisions, including parting ways with Watson, are in line with building a winning foundation. Atlanta presents an early test with a relatively unknown quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. and a strong defensive front, making Week 1 a key barometer for how Tampa Bay stacks up.