The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly bringing back Desmond Watson, the 464-pound defensive lineman who surprised scouts with his size and immense power at his Pro Day, according to ESPN’s Jenna Laine.
The Florida product showed off excellent strength at that Pro Day, lifting 225 pounds 36 times, more than any other prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite that, Watson did not get picked in the draft. If selected, he would have shattered the record for heaviest player drafted.
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But Watson didn’t stay available for long. He signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Watson, however, did not participate in practices with the team, as the Bucs reportedly wanted Watson to hit a certain weight before he took the field.
Watson was unable to take the field in training camp, and was listed on the non-football illness list. When it came time for roster cuts, Watson was let go by the team.
On Friday, he returned to work out with the Bucs. The fact that the team reportedly signed him to the practice squad after that workout could signal that he’s hit — or is close to — the team’s weight goal. Watson was already in the process of dropping pounds following his Pro Day. He weighed 449 when the Bucs took his measurements in May.
Sources declined to provide Watson’s current weight when asked by ESPN.
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While Watson still has work to do to make the team’s 53-man roster, the Bucs are desperate for help on the defensive line. The team lost former first-round pick Calijah Kancey to a torn pec following its Week 2 win over the Houston Texans. He’s expected to miss the 2025 season. To make up for that loss, the team signed Elijah Simmons off the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad. Watson could be viewed as more insurance at the position if Simmons doesn’t pan out.
Watson didn’t put up eye-popping stats in college, but did turn in a few impressive highlights. He also saw some time as a fullback on running plays and even took a carry in college. It gained one yard.
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Any dreams of Watson showing off his versatility in the NFL are on hold until he at least makes the team’s 53-man roster. The Bucs clearly feel Watson is an intriguing talent, even at a lighter weight, so it will be up to him to prove he deserves a roster spot now that he’s reportedly on the team’s practice squad.
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