NFL Rookie Won't Admit How Much He Weighs This Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Oct 9, 2025 9:24 AM ET

Perhaps the most interested undrafted free agent to come out of the 2025 NFL Draft was Florida defensive tackle Desmond Watson. While Watson was a solid player for the Gators, people became enamored with him upon joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to his absurd weight.

Watson measured in at a whopping 464 pounds at his pro day, a mark that would make him the heaviest player in league history. But in the months since joining the Bucs' practice squad, he's decided to drop a few pounds. Yet in an interview with Pewter Report, he would not reveal what he weighs at right now, only that he's "proud of it."

“I’m proud of it,” Watson said. “It’s a good number – obviously good enough to be signed back. I don’t want to say a specific number, but it’s been enough to obviously get signed back. I’m blessed.”

Bucs DT Desmond Watson Breaks His Silence On Weight Loss

Talking to Pewter Report, Watson shared his process of re-joining the #Bucs. The former #GoGators DT has improved his habits and aims to be a factor. Scott Reynolds has the story.https://t.co/3iLSqtEWO4
— PewterReport ‍☠️ (@PewterReport) October 9, 2025

Officially, Watson is currently listed at 449 pounds on the Bucs' official website. But that figure was recorded all the way back in May and team websites are rarely updated to account for weight and height changes.

Watson is doing his best to prepare for an eventual 53-man roster callup through training and conditioning. He told the outlet he's looking forward to the opportunity after going so long without practicing against opponents.

“That was the longest I’ve had without practicing against people since I was like seven years old,” Watson said. “That was tough. It was definitely an adjustment, but it feels great to practice now. I feel blessed to be able to help this organization any way possible, so getting back into it, it feels great.”

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 30: Desmond Watson #21 of the Florida Gators looks on during the first half of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)James Gilbert/Getty Images

State of the Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have looked like one of the NFL's best teams since Week 1. They're getting MVP production from starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is on pace for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns for the second year in a row. The difference is, he's cut down on the turnovers in a huge way, throwing just one interception through five starts.

Even in his worst game, a 31-25 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Mayfield was hardly the underlying reason that the team lost.

If the Buccaneers can find a way to get healthier by midseason and get both starting wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on the field to join forces with rising star Emeka Egbuka, this team could be a Super Bowl contender.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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