The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made waves in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in the first round. However, it’s one of their undrafted free agent signings that’s drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. Florida defensive lineman Desmond Watson made history by becoming the heaviest player ever to sign an NFL contract at 464 pounds, but his path to the field has hit an unexpected roadblock.
Why Did the Buccaneers Place Desmond Watson on the NFI List?
When training camp opened, Watson found himself on the non-football illness list, a placement that raised eyebrows across the league. Head coach Todd Bowles didn’t mince words when explaining the decision, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk.
“It’s just about trying to get him better, to be a healthier player and get him on the field more,” Bowles said. “That’s where I’m at right now. He’s working at it and we’re working with him and that’s all you can ask.”
The weight issue has become Watson’s primary obstacle to reaching the field. While Bowles acknowledged they have “some things in mind” for helping the rookie defensive lineman, he remained vague about expectations and timelines.
“He’s made some progress,” Bowles said. “I don’t have a timetable on what we can get him down to or when that comes.”
Despite his size, Watson showed remarkable athleticism during his college career at Florida. The 6-foot-6 lineman played in every game from 2021-24, consistently making highlight-reel plays that showcased his surprising mobility for someone of his stature.
Former Florida DT Desmond Watson — the 6-foot-5, 464-pound behemoth — is signing with the #Bucs on a deal that includes a $20,000 signing bonus and $50,000 guaranteed, per his agent EJ Gonzalez of Grady Sports Agency.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 26, 2025
What Made Watson Stand Out Despite His Weight Concerns?
Watson’s Pro Day at Florida turned heads across the league. His 25-inch vertical jump became a talking point, particularly after he outjumped Auburn basketball star Johni Broome in that category.
The former Gator posted other notable combine numbers that caught scouts’ attention. Watson bench pressed 225 pounds 36 times and ran a 5.95-second 40-yard dash, numbers that suggested his athleticism could translate to the professional level despite his size.
Tampa Bay clearly saw potential in Watson, offering him a contract that included a $20,000 signing bonus and $70,000 guaranteed. However, reports state that Watson has since dropped to 450 pounds, though it remains unclear what target weight the coaching staff has in mind.
The road ahead for Watson has grown steeper. As an undrafted rookie, he was already facing long odds to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Now, with his conditioning issues keeping him off the practice field, those odds have lengthened considerably. The NFI designation means Watson cannot participate in team activities until he’s cleared, making it harder to prove he belongs in the NFL.
