Buccaneers Won’t Allow Desmond Watson To Practice until Reaches Undisclosed Weight

Desmond Watson, the Buccaneers’ newest defensive tackle and former Florida Gators standout, is poised to make waves in training camp as the team gears up for the 2025 NFL season. After going undrafted, Watson’s determination paid off when Tampa Bay signed him as a free agent this offseason.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 449 pounds, Watson holds the distinction of being the heaviest player in NFL history, and his larger-than-life presence made him a fan favorite during his collegiate days with the Florida Gators.”

Watson’s hefty $3 million signing bonus made waves when it happened, but now he’s grabbing headlines again. According to reports, the Buccaneers are conditioning his spot on the 53-man roster during the regular season on him shedding a significant amount of weight.

Due to his weight concerns, the Buccaneers have placed Watson on the non-football injury list. Although he’s shed some pounds since weighing in at 464 pounds at Florida’s pro day, the coaching staff is holding out for further weight loss before clearing him for action.

“It’s just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player and getting him on the field a little more.” Head Coach Todd Bowles said via Fox 13 News. “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 right now.”

During his four-year tenure with the Florida Gators, Watson accumulated impressive stats, including 63 tackles and three tackles-for-loss, and forced a single fumble. Though his prospects for playing this season may seem slim, a slimmer Desmond Watson would be a dream come true for both Gators and Buccaneers fans. If he can reach the team’s  weight goal, the excitement would be palpable.