The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have placed defensive tackle Desmond Watson on the non-football injury list due to concerns about his weight. Watson, who went undrafted, was signed by the Buccaneers after the 2025 NFL Draft, standing at 6 feet-6 and weighing 464 pounds at the time.
Since then, he has reduced his weight to approximately 450 pounds, but it’s still not enough for him to be cleared for training camp. Coach Todd Bowles addressed the media, stating, “It’s just trying to make him better, become a healthier player and get him a little more on the field.” He further expressed that Watson is putting in effort and it’s important to continue working with him.
Watson has the potential to develop into a solid run-stopping player in the league. In his four-year college career with the Florida Gators, he accumulated 63 tackles and 1½ sacks. Bowles mentioned that they are focused on supporting Watson and assessing his progress as they move forward.
Reflecting on his weight gain, Watson noted that stopping for food while driving contributed significantly. He shared, “Stop while driving,” when discussing the habits he aimed to change during Pro Day.
Watson’s commitment includes avoiding places like gas station convenience stores, opting instead to pay at the pump. If he makes the 53-man roster and plays in a game, he could become the heaviest player in NFL history.
