Bucs release Desmond Watson, heaviest NFL player, after weight issues

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Desmond Watson, the heaviest player in NFL history, after a preseason saga in which weight and conditioning remained the central hurdle to his roster chances. The 6-foot-6, 464-pound defensive tackle, who joined as an undrafted free agent following Florida’s pro day, spent the offseason in the team’s non-football injury/illness list as coaches and specialists sought a sustainable playing weight. With the roster deadline looming, the organization opted to move on, ending a pursuit that had drawn national attention but never yielded on-field action in practice.

Watson’s path to this point began at Florida, where his Pro Day showcased extraordinary raw measures, including a 36-repetition bench press that drew praise for strength. His weight, however, proved the defining obstacle as he entered the NFL, fluctuating in the mid-400s and complicating plans for him to contribute in the near term. After signing with Tampa Bay, he was placed on the NFI/Illness list to begin training camp, with the club emphasizing weight and health as prerequisites for participation. The organization reportedly explored options to keep him in the loop through various...