Tampa Bay's Bold Decision on Desmond Watson

In a surprising turn of events, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made the tough decision to release rookie Desmond Watson, marking a significant moment in NFL history as he was identified as the heaviest player in the league.

Health Milestones Not Met

The 449-pound defensive tackle was on a strict regimen to achieve specific health milestones before taking the field with the team. Unfortunately, he could not meet those goals, leading to his waiver ahead of Tuesday’s roster cuts.

Placed on Non-Football Illness List

Watson started training camp on the non-football illness list, allowing him time to work on his weight loss and conditioning. Instead of moving him to the reserve/non-football injury list, the Buccaneers opted to part ways with him.

Agent Speaks Out

His agent, EJ Gonzalez, assured the media that Watson is still dedicated to the process. "Job’s not finished," he stated, indicating that Watson continues to strive for his NFL dreams.

A Weighty Journey to the NFL

Watson's journey gained national attention when he tipped the scales at a staggering 464 pounds during Florida's pro day just a month prior to the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite no team drafting him, the Buccaneers brought him on board as an undrafted free agent with a lucrative three-year contract.

Training Camp Struggles

Despite shedding weight to reach 449 pounds, Watson’s conditioning was not sufficient for him to practice. General manager Jason Licht had previously mentioned the necessity for Watson to reach certain benchmarks to ensure his readiness for the game. Head coach Todd Bowles also pointed out the team's initial plans for Watson, stating, "We didn’t get him for the Tush Push. We got him because we really thought he could play."

The Road Ahead for Watson

Throughout the preseason, Watson did not participate in any games as he worked to meet the team's expectations. Now, as he hits waivers, there's hope he could still find a place in the league, potentially on another team's practice squad, granting him a fresh chance to fulfill his NFL aspirations. Watson has openly acknowledged that weight loss has always been a significant challenge for him, making his journey all the more compelling.