Buccaneers’ Predicament with Desmond Watson
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a weighty decision regarding former Florida Gators defensive tackle Desmond Watson. Arriving in the NFL with a formidable 450-pound frame, Watson’s journey to meet the team’s desired weight has been challenging. Placed on the Non-Football Illness (NFI) list at the start of training camp, the Buccaneers hoped he could reach a target weight to get him on the field. The question remains: What will the Buccaneers do with Desmond Watson?
Despite efforts, Watson remains on the NFI list, absent from practice and preseason games. With the regular season approaching, head coach Todd Bowles suggests Watson’s weight loss journey may extend into the season. As roster cutdowns loom, the Buccaneers must decide whether to keep Watson despite his current weight or explore other options. This article will delve into the potential plans for Watson, examining the possibilities and implications for the team.
Watson’s Current Status: Stuck on the Sidelines
Desmond Watson’s journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been anything but straightforward. After being drafted, the massive defensive tackle was placed on the Non-Football Illness list at the beginning of training camp. The Buccaneers hoped that a structured program would help Watson reach a weight that would allow him to contribute on the field. However, as it stands, Watson has yet to meet those goals. He has remained inactive throughout training camp and the preseason.
Coach Todd Bowles’ comments suggest a long-term plan is needed for Watson, indicating his weight loss may continue into the regular season. However, the Buccaneers face the immediate challenge of roster cutdowns. If Watson remains on the roster without playing, it raises questions about the team’s strategy and resource allocation.
The primary issue revolves around Watson’s weight and conditioning. The Buccaneers believe in his potential, citing his surprising athleticism for his size. But potential alone isn’t enough in the NFL. Watson needs to demonstrate progress and a commitment to reaching the required weight to justify his roster spot.
Option 1: Outright Release
The most direct course of action for the Buccaneers would be to release Desmond Watson outright. Given that only $70,000 of his contract was guaranteed, the financial impact of cutting him would be minimal. This would free up a roster spot and allow the team to focus on players who are currently ready to contribute. However, releasing Watson means giving up on his potential and the investment the team has already made in him.
Despite the simplicity of this option, the Buccaneers seem hesitant to go this route. Coach Bowles’ remarks about a “long-term plan” suggest that the team sees value in keeping Watson around, even if he’s not ready to play immediately.
Option 2: Reserve/NFI List
A more likely scenario involves placing Watson on the reserve/NFI (Non-Football Illness) list to start the season. This would allow him to continue working towards his weight loss goals without taking up an active roster spot. While on this list, Watson wouldn’t count towards the 53-man roster, giving the Buccaneers flexibility to add another player. However, the team wouldn’t be obligated to pay him his full salary while he’s on the NFI list, potentially requiring a renegotiation of his contract.
If the Buccaneers decide to activate Watson from the NFI list, they would have a 21-day window to evaluate him in practice. After this period, they could either add him to the active roster or release him. This option provides the team with flexibility and allows Watson to continue his progress without immediate pressure.
This approach aligns with Coach Bowles’ comments about developing a long-term plan for Watson. It suggests the team is willing to be patient and provide Watson with the resources he needs to succeed, even if it takes time.
Decision Day: August 26th
The Buccaneers must make a final decision on Watson by August 26th, the deadline for NFL teams to reduce their rosters to 53 players. This decision will determine Watson’s immediate future with the team and potentially his long-term prospects in the NFL.
If the Buccaneers believe Watson can contribute later in the season, placing him on the reserve/NFI list seems the most logical choice. This allows him to continue his weight loss journey while freeing up a roster spot for a player who can contribute immediately. However, if the team has doubts about Watson’s commitment or progress, they may opt to release him and move on.
Key Takeaways and Implications
The Buccaneers’ handling of Desmond Watson highlights the challenges and complexities of managing player potential and health issues in the NFL. While Watson possesses unique athletic gifts, his weight issues have hindered his ability to contribute on the field. The Buccaneers must weigh the potential benefits of keeping him against the immediate needs of the team.
Ultimately, the decision on Watson will depend on his progress in the coming days and the team’s overall assessment of his long-term potential. Releasing him would be a setback for Watson, but it could also be a necessary step for the Buccaneers as they finalize their roster for the 2025 season.
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