NFL’s Heaviest Rookie Desmond Watson Waived as Weight Challenges Persist

NFL’s Heaviest Rookie Desmond Watson Waived: Weight Proves Too Much

Published: August 25, 2025, 8:45 PM EDT
Updated: August 25, 2025, 8:45 PM EDT

TAMPA, FL — Monday brought some heavy news for Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans and NFL enthusiasts alike. Desmond Watson, the rookie defensive tackle who made headlines as the heaviest player in league history, has been waived by the team.

Watson, a 22-year-old Florida native, opened training camp on the non-football injury list as he struggled to slim down from his near-470-pound frame. At his Gators Pro Day, he weighed in at 464 pounds, and while he reportedly shed some weight before the preseason, he remained over 450 pounds, which kept him off the field.

General Manager Jason Licht had previously revealed that the Buccaneers set strict weight goals for Watson as a condition for maintaining his roster spot. Unfortunately, he was barred from practice until he could meet those targets, but he failed to demonstrate the necessary commitment to earn his place on the team.

Fans and analysts alike were eager to see Watson make his mark in the NFL, with many hoping to witness the behemoth in action. However, the question now looms: can Watson get serious about cutting weight, and will another NFL team take a chance on a player whose size has proven to be both a blessing and a burden?

The Buccaneers have had a busy few days, also releasing Shiloh Sanders, the son of Coach Prime, after he was involved in a scuffle during the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills.

As the dust settles on this surprising decision, the NFL community watches closely to see what the future holds for Watson. Will he rise to the challenge and reshape his career, or will this be the end of the line for the league’s heaviest rookie?

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