The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson. The team waived the player due to significant weight concerns. This move highlights the NFL’s ongoing challenges with player conditioning.
Why Was Desmond Watson Released From The Buccaneers?
The Buccaneers released Desmond Watson on Monday. He was the heaviest player in NFL history, weighing 464 pounds. The team placed him on the non-football illness list at the start of training camp. According to The Sporting News, the decision was due to his inability to meet conditioning milestones. General Manager Jason Licht set specific weight loss goals for the player. Watson did not achieve those targets. He never participated in a single team practice. He also did not play in any preseason games.
Head Coach Todd Bowles addressed the situation earlier this summer. He stated the team was trying to help Watson become a healthier player. The goal was to get him on the field. The organization worked closely with him throughout the process. Ultimately, the Buccaneers decided to waive him outright. NFL reporter Greg Auman first reported the news. The team could have moved him to a reserve list but chose a full release.
What Is The Future For Desmond Watson After His Release?
Desmond Watson’s agent has provided an update on his client’s future. Agent EJ Gonzalez spoke with the Associated Press. He confirmed that Watson remains dedicated to his football career. Gonzalez stated simply, “He’s still working. Job’s not finished.” This suggests the player is continuing his conditioning efforts. His goal is likely another opportunity in the league.
Watson entered the league as an undrafted free agent from the University of Florida. His size made him a unique prospect for the Buccaneers. The team took a chance on him despite known weight challenges. The NFL has strict physical demands for all players. Managing player health and performance is a constant balance for teams. This case shows how teams handle extreme conditioning situations.
The Buccaneers’ decision to release Desmond Watson underscores the critical importance of weight management and physical conditioning in the modern NFL. His future in the league now depends entirely on his ability to meet those rigorous physical demands.
Bruce Willis’ Wife Emma Heming Shares Heartbreaking Health Update and New Role as Caregiver Advocate
For your information (FAQ Section)
Q1: How much did Desmond Watson weigh?
Desmond Watson weighed 464 pounds. This made him the heaviest player in NFL history at the time. The Buccaneers wanted him to lose weight.
Q2: Why did the Buccaneers waive Desmond Watson?
The Buccaneers waived him because he could not meet weight loss goals. He was on the non-football illness list and never practiced with the team.
Q3: What did Desmond Watson’s agent say?
His agent, EJ Gonzalez, said Watson is still working. He told the Associated Press that the “job’s not finished” for the player.
Q4: Did Desmond Watson play for the Buccaneers?
No, he never played for the team. He did not participate in any preseason games or team practices during training camp.
Q5: What is a non-football illness list?
The non-football illness (NFI) list is for players with conditions unrelated to football. Teams use it for players who are not ready to practice due to health issues.
Q6: Could another NFL team sign Desmond Watson?
Yes, another team could sign him. However, it would require him to first demonstrate significant improvement in his physical conditioning.
Get the latest News first — Follow us on Google News, Twitter, Facebook, Telegram and subscribe to our YouTube channel. For any inquiries, contact: info @ zoombangla.com