Tampa Bay’s bold experiment with rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson has ended abruptly. Once considered a high-upside project, the 6-foot-6, 464-pound former Florida standout was released outright, rather than being shifted to the reserve Non-Football Injury (NFI) list.
Watson, celebrated early on for his immense size and strength, entered training camp on the NFI list as he worked to lose weight under the team’s guidance. Head coach Todd Bowles initially described the designation as a way to help Watson become “a healthier player on the field,”.With the regular season approaching, the Bucs faced a choice: keep him on the NFI list, preserving the chance of future contribution, or release him.
Reports indicate that rather than delaying the decision, the team chose to let Watson go outright. With Watson unable to hit the designated goal weight, he was unable to practice at all, which likely led to the decision. While he was supposedly 437 pounds at rookie minicamp, the weight loss did not meet the goal number.
Watson could continue to get into football shape and revisit the chance to sign to the Buccaneers practice squad, but for now, the largest player in NFL history will need to find a home somewhere other than Tampa Bay.
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This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers waive the heaviest player in NFL history instead of NFI placement
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
