Bucs Gameday

New Buccaneers UDFA signing immediately becomes heaviest player in NFL history

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reinforcing the trenches by agreeing to terms with one of the biggest players the league has ever seen.
Collin Haalboom|
Desmond Watson tackles Tulane Green Wave quarterback Ty Thompson.
Desmond Watson tackles Tulane Green Wave quarterback Ty Thompson. | Doug Engle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay BuccaneersFlorida Gators

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed Florida defensive tackle Desmond Watson as an undrafted free agent.

READ MORE: Buccaneers first-round draft pick already hanging out with new QB Baker Mayfield

Watson is a 6'4", 464 pound senior from Plant City, Florida, who had 20 total tackles for the Gators this past season. Despite his limited usage, Watson was the 53rd-ranked DT on Dane Brugler's draft guide 'The Beast'. Tom Pelissero reported the deal, which includes $50K guaranteed as well as a $20K signing bonus.

At 464 pounds, Desmond Watson officially becomes the heaviest player in NFL history. Prior to him signing this contract with the Buccaneers, the heaviest NFL player of all time was Aaron Gibson at 410 pounds. Not only does Watson surpass that lofty number, but he's 129 pounds heavier than Chicago Bears' legend Refrigerator Perry.

It didn't take long for people to consider the possibility of Watson becoming a potential solution to the Philadelphia Eagles' 'tush push' play, which has been so successful in short-yardage situations for the Super Bowl champs over the past several years.

Howard's overwhelming mass could certainly be advantageous for the Buccaneers on expected running downs. His impact would become that much more daunting when you consider he would be lining up next to one of the NFL's most dominant run stuffers, Vita Vea, who is listed at 347 pounds.

It's yet to be determined whether or not Howard will get much of an opportunity with the Buccaneers, let alone make the roster, but his presence on the roster would certainly provide the Bucs with a unique lineup option on the defensive side of the ball.

READ MORE: Social media reacts to Buccaneers' fourth round pick in NFL Draft

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2025 offseason.

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Collin Haalboom
COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.

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