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Buccaneers Sign Desmond Watson to Practice Squad

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed defensive tackle Desmond Watson to their practice squad, a move that adds depth to the team's defensive line. Watson, a 6-foot-6 athlete who played at Florida, was originally signed by the Buccaneers after going undrafted in April. However, he struggled to meet the team's weight expectations, weighing 464 pounds at the school's pro day. Despite working with a team nutritionist during the offseason, the Buccaneers have not specified an ideal playing weight for Watson. The team's coach, Todd Bowles, has expressed optimism about Watson's abilities, stating that he had a "good workout" during his recent visit.

Key Takeaways:

  • Desmond Watson, a defensive tackle, was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' practice squad on Tuesday.
  • Watson played at Florida and was originally signed by the Buccaneers after going undrafted in April.
  • He weighed 464 pounds at the school's pro day and was considered one of the heaviest players in NFL history.
  • Watson lost 25-30 pounds before the draft but didn't get a chance to practice with the Buccaneers due to his weight.
  • He worked with a team nutritionist during the offseason but the Buccaneers didn't specify an ideal playing weight for him.
  • Coach Todd Bowles said Watson had a "good workout" during his recent visit to the team.
  • The Buccaneers host the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in a battle of undefeated teams.
  • The Eagles are known for using the "tush push" in short-yardage situations, and Bowles said that Watson would need to be more than just a stopgap measure to be brought in just for that.

Statistics:

  • Desmond Watson weighed 464 pounds at the school's pro day.
  • He lost 25-30 pounds before the draft.
  • The Buccaneers are 3-0 on the season.
  • ThePhiladelphia Eagles are also 3-0 on the season.
  • The Super Bowl champion Eagles are hosting the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Sources:

  • AP NFL: Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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