Buccaneers sign 464-pound Desmond Watson, the heaviest player in NFL history, as undrafted free agent

After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Desmond Watson, one of the Florida Gators' most beloved fan favorites, has landed a spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The towering 6-foot-5, 464-pound defensive tackle inked an undrafted free agent contract with the Buccaneers just moments after the draft ended, marking him as the team's first UDFA signing. The contract includes a $20,000 signing bonus and $50,000 in guaranteed money, offering Watson a strong foundation as he embarks on his NFL journey.

Desmond Watson's unique combination of size and skill makes him a standout figure in the NFL. At 464 pounds, Watson now holds the record as the heaviest player in NFL history, surpassing the previous record set by offensive tackle Aaron Gibson by an impressive 54 pounds. Watson joins a talented group of nose tackles in Tampa Bay, including Vita Vea and Greg Gaines. Over his collegiate career, Watson accumulated 63 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a memorable forced fumble and recovery in 2022, which cemented his place in Gators history.

Though Watson was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, his performance at Florida's Pro Day captured the attention of scouts. He clocked an impressive 5.95-second 40-yard dash, making him the third slowest runner of all time at his size but still managing to impress those in attendance. Additionally, Watson's 36 reps on the bench press would have been the highest at the Combine, demonstrating his raw strength and athleticism despite his considerable size.
Tampa Bay's head coach, Billy Napier, praised Watson’s exceptional abilities. "He's a unicorn. That stature," Napier said at the Pro Day. "And then, you get to know Des. He's extremely intelligent. He's got a great sense of humor. He was a great teammate. Obviously showed up in good shape (for pro day). He'll get his shot, and I'm hoping he'll make the most of it."

What makes Watson's journey even more remarkable is his hometown connection to Tampa Bay. Born and raised in Plant City, Florida, Watson will now have the opportunity to play just hours away from where he made his mark both in high school at Armwood and in college with the Gators. This proximity adds an extra layer of excitement as he competes for a spot on the Buccaneers' roster, with the potential to play in front of a familiar Florida crowd in the NFL.
While Watson's weight has been a topic of discussion throughout his career, it’s clear he has made significant strides. Prior to the draft, Watson spoke about his weight management efforts: "There (are) times where I do basically starving and stuff like that... I didn’t feel confident that way. I didn’t feel strong, I didn’t feel fast. I feel like right now is the best I felt with the process of losing weight."
Watson’s commitment to fitness has been evident as he worked with a weight and fitness specialist leading up to the draft. His goal of losing approximately 100 pounds was achieved through a disciplined diet that cut out sugar and starches, relying on peas, beans, chili, and spinach as key components of his meals.
As the Buccaneers continue to strengthen their roster, Watson's signing marks a significant opportunity for him to prove himself. The team had already bolstered their edge rushing corps with two new signings in the 2025 draft but left room for a potential interior defensive lineman. With no other interior D-linemen drafted, Watson's chance to compete for a backup role behind Pro Bowler Vita Vea is very much alive.
Desmond Watson's path to the NFL may have been unconventional, but his hard work, dedication, and Florida roots have given him the chance to shine at the highest level of football. Whether or not he secures a starting position, one thing is clear—Watson’s journey is just beginning, and fans across Florida will be cheering him on every step of the way.
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