The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sent social media ablaze in April after the draft when they signed Florida Gators defensive tackle Desmond Watson. The signing of the rookie lineman blew up, as he was the largest draft-eligible player signed by a team, and the Bucs had already selected the lightest player available in the draft.
Watson is now in the news again. Per Greg Auman of Fox Sports, the Bucs have released the 400-pound defensive tackle from the practice squad.
Bucs have released rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson from their practice squad. He was with the team in preseason as well. These moves are sometimes driven by injuries at other positions requiring new depth.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) November 11, 2025
After Watson, initial signing, attention immediately turned to the pairing of Vita Vela and Watson and how teams, including the Eagles with their tush push, would have difficulties running the ball on the Bucs' massive interior. However, Watson had a long way to go before he could reach a healthy weight to play in the Tampa heat.
Throughout training camp, Watson would walk the field as he tried to get down to his target weight. He was placed on the non-football illness list and did not see a snap throughout camp. The Bucs released him during final roster cuts, but left the door open for a possible re-signing down the line.
On September 23, that signing came, and Watson was added to the Bucs practice squad ahead of their Week 4 matchup against the Eagles. The timing of the signing made perfect sense, and many were expecting the vision of Vea and Watson lining up next to each other to combat Philly's tush push. However, that was not the case as Watson was never elevated for a game after his signing.
Three days after his signing, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles was asked about Watson and the progress he had made that led to the resignation and noted that he looked quick and gave the offense great luck on the scout team.
"[He displayed] good quickness, a lot of technique,” Bowles said. “It’s just a matter of getting the system down, but he gave us a great look this week. He’ll get more reps next week, and we’ll keep working him."
There’s a chance Watson could be back on the practice squad once again, but as the Bucs try and navigate the flurry of injuries that have hit their roster, they need to maximize their depth at several other positions.
Unfortunately, with the way Elijah Roberts has been playing this season. There isn’t a clear path for Watson to make an impact on the active roster. However, the Bucs have liked what they’ve seen from the 400-pound rookie this season, and he could be back with Tampa Bay in a matter of time.
In a corresponding move, the Bucs have signed outside linebacker Benton Whitley to fill his spot, per Fox Sports' Greg Auman. The 6'4, 225-pound edge rusher played collegiately at Holy Cross and has played in six games with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. He worked out for the team on Friday.