If you followed the Florida Gators or tracked the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, you already know the name. Desmond Watson isn't just a football player; he’s a physical marvel. At 6-foot-6 and weighing in at a massive 464 pounds during his Pro Day, he was officially the heaviest player ever to ink an NFL contract. When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as an undrafted free agent in May 2025, it felt like the ultimate "low-risk, high-reward" experiment.
Basically, the Bucs were betting on a unicorn.
But the Desmond Watson Buccaneers roster decision ended up being a lot more complicated than just putting a massive human in the middle of a defensive line and telling him to eat up space. NFL speed is a different animal. By November 2025, Watson was off the roster. Now, in early 2026, he’s found a new home in the UFL with the DC Defenders.
Why the Buccaneers Moved on From "Big Dez"
Todd Bowles is a defensive mastermind who loves heavy hitters, but he has a limit. When Watson showed up to camp, the buzz was electric. Fans wanted to see him stand next to Vita Vea—a man who is "only" 347 pounds—and just imagine the wall they’d create.
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It didn't quite work out that way.
Conditioning was the primary hurdle. On July 24, 2025, the team placed Watson on the non-football injury (NFI) list. Coach Bowles was pretty blunt about it: he wanted Watson to be a "healthier player on the field." Being 464 pounds is great for a viral clip of you doing the Heisman pose in a bowl game, but it's a liability when an NFL offense is running a no-huddle tempo in 90-degree Tampa heat.
The timeline of his tenure was a bit of a rollercoaster:
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- August 25, 2025: Watson was waived just before the 53-man roster deadline.
- September 23, 2025: After a month of working out and staying near the facility, the Bucs brought him back to the practice squad.
- November 11, 2025: The experiment officially ended when the team released him for the final time.
The reality? The Buccaneers needed versatility. While Watson's strength is legendary—he repped 225 pounds 36 times at his Pro Day—if you can't stay on the field for more than three consecutive snaps without needing oxygen, you're a "package-only" player. In today’s NFL, roster spots are too valuable for someone who can only play in "Tush Push" or goal-line scenarios.
The Numbers That Drove the Hype
People often forget how athletic Watson actually is for his size. We aren't talking about a guy who just stands there. He ran a 5.93-second 40-yard dash at 464 pounds. Think about that. Most people reading this couldn't run that at 200 pounds.
His 25-inch vertical jump was equally insane. That’s more "pop" than some offensive guards half his size. But as many scouts noted, his "frame score" indicated he would always be a massive human being. Even when he tried to lean out, he rarely stayed below 415. The Buccaneers ultimately decided that the 2026 roster needed more lateral agility and pass-rushing depth, specifically looking toward guys like Logan Hall or potential draft picks who can play all three downs.
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What’s Next for Desmond Watson?
If you're wondering if his career is over, the answer is a hard no. Just this past week, on January 14, 2026, the DC Defenders of the UFL selected him in the draft.
This is honestly the best thing for him.
The UFL provides a environment where he can get meaningful reps without the "cut-throat" 53-man roster pressure of the NFL. If he can dominate in the spring, show he’s dropped some of that "bad weight," and prove his lungs can handle four quarters of football, an NFL team will absolutely come calling again. You just can't coach 6-foot-6 and 450 pounds of raw power.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason
- Watch the UFL Season: Keep an eye on the DC Defenders' depth chart. Watson's performance there will dictate if he gets a training camp invite back to the NFL this summer.
- Bucs Defensive Line Draft Watch: Since moving on from Watson, the Buccaneers are heavily rumored to be looking at defensive tackle depth in the 2026 NFL Draft. Look for them to prioritize "athletic nose tackles" who hover around the 320-330 pound range.
- Conditioning is King: For Watson, the path back to the Bucs or any NFL team is purely on the scale. If he shows up to a workout at 410 pounds instead of 450, his stock will skyrocket.
The Desmond Watson Buccaneers roster decision wasn't a failure of talent, but a mismatch of timing and physical readiness. He’s a "unicorn" in every sense of the word, and in the world of professional sports, someone is always going to be willing to take a chance on a player who can move mountains.