Desmond Watson Lands Bucs Contract After Meeting Team's Fitness Requirements

Undrafted rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson is officially back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Per Greg Auman of Fox Sports, the Bucs are signing Watson to their practice squad after he met their fitness requirements to participate in practice.

Watson spent training camp in Tampa Bay but was waived ahead of roster cut-downs without participating in practice or playing in the preseason after being listed at an official weight of 449 pounds.

ESPN's Jenna Laine explained that he was active during rookie minicamp in May and the team's three-day minicamp in June, but during training camp, he instead "participated in conditioning exercises in an effort to get his weight down to what the team deemed was an acceptable level."

Despite Watson's struggles with his weight, the Bucs showed a commitment to helping him get on track. Head coach Todd Bowles previously made it clear that he wanted the 22-year-old to stick around, saying earlier in the summer, "I'd like to have some long-term plans for him going forward because he's making some progress and I feel like down the line he can help us."

A four-year player at Florida, Watson finished his college career with 63 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, a pass deflection and a forced fumble. His weight fluctuated time and time again during his tenure with the Gators, but he still found a way to make an impact when given the opportunity.

Now, Watson will have another chance to prove that he belongs in the NFL. He will help the Bucs as the prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.