Desmond Watson is back with the Buccaneers.
This past Tuesday, Tampa Bay signed the defensive tackle, who tips the scales at over 400 pounds, after he met the team’s fitness criteria.
The 22-year-old impressed the staff during “good training” sessions last week, showcasing noticeable physical improvements.
Head coach Todd Bowles is optimistic about Watson, making it clear that his signing is not just about stopping Tash’s push in the upcoming game against the Eagles.
“We’re not bringing him in just to counter Tash. If he’s here, I think he can contribute. But, honestly, it’s probably unlikely he’ll be ready for Philadelphia,” Bowles mentioned to reporters.
Watson, previously a lineman at the University of Florida, was originally signed by the Buccaneers after going undrafted in April.
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 464 pounds on his pro day, he was set to become the heaviest player in NFL history, yet he recorded a 5.86-second time in the 40-yard dash and showcased a 25-inch vertical leap.
During training camp, he was on the non-football illness list, focusing instead on nutrition and conditioning to manage his weight better.
Now, he is officially weighing in at 449 pounds. Just before facing potential roster cuts, Bowles expressed a desire to keep Watson around for the long haul.
Watson’s current weight isn’t fully known, but should he don a uniform, his size would still make a statement in league history. Aaron Gibson holds the record for the heaviest player at 410 pounds, and currently, no active players exceed that 400-pound mark.
