The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Desmond Watson while understanding he'd have work to do to make it in the NFL as the league's heaviest player but sustained a big setback during the season
12:42 ET, 24 Mar 2026Updated 12:42 ET, 24 Mar 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Lineman Desmond Watson warms up during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie Mini Camp workout
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Desmond Watson was sidelined due to concerns over his weight(Image: Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had Desmond Watson on their practice squad for the majority of the season, hoping to see the Florida nose tackle make it in the league. Unfortunately those dreams were crushed in November as he failed to lose enough weight.
The Buccaneers did not feel comfortable in letting Watson see the field, while weighing in at a whopping 466lbs - making him 50lbs heavier than the NFL's second-largest of all-time. Tampa Bay did not let Watson practice with the team due to his size, with multiple videos emerging of him walking around at practice while his teammates were in pads.
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The 6-foot-6 defensive lineman spent four years with the Florida Gators, going undrafted before landing with the Buccaneers as undrafted free agent.
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He made it on to the practice squad, where he remained until November before he was cut.
The team reportedly wanted to see him lose more weight throughout the year, but made the decision to let him go with head coach Todd Bowles speaking on the decision.
He said: "It’s unfortunate. A lot of these guys have trainers and probably don’t know what they’re taking or anything else like that. I don’t know what he did or didn’t (take).
Desmond Watson of the Florida Gators looks on during the first half of a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium
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Watson was a cult hero at Florida(Image: James Gilbert/Getty Images)
"I know the kid and he’s a good young man. He’s a very honest young man and forthright and I wish him the best.”
Watson had told reporters that he'd been pleased with his efforts in losing weight just weeks before he was cut - having been briefly cut before re-signing with the team.
He said: "I’m proud of it. 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."
Watson had to watch on during training sessions in Tampa
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Watson had to watch on during training sessions in Tampa
The United Football League (UFL) is set to begin this week, with Watson signing for the DC Defenders. Unfortunately, he was cut by the team back in January in what could be the final nail in his football career.
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It is not known as to whether his weight was an issue for the decision to move on from him. Watson has not posted on Instagram since July 2025, where he'd previously been seen going through drills with the Buccaneers.
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