The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially announced their decision to part ways with defensive tackle Desmond Watson. However, Watson himself remains committed to the sport of football. According to Watson’s agent, EJ Gonzalez, he is still actively working towards his professional goals. “Job’s not finished,” Gonzalez stated in an interview with Rod Maaddi of the Associated Press.
While the Buccaneers have moved on, Watson has not abandoned his pursuit of a career in football. His agent emphasized that Watson is dedicated to making improvements, particularly in terms of his fitness and conditioning. Unfortunately, the Buccaneers have determined that they can no longer wait for Watson to reach the necessary fitness levels. They have decided not to re-sign him to the practice squad, as reported by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
The Buccaneers' management faces the reality that a player's inability to maintain proper physical condition can be just as detrimental to their prospects as lacking speed, size, or strength. These qualities are objective and significantly influence a player's performance on the field. Unfortunately for Watson, he was unable to shed the required weight and improve his overall fitness, leading to the team's decision to move forward with players who are ready to compete.
As the Buccaneers continue their preparations for the upcoming season, they are focused on building a roster that prioritizes fitness and capability on the field. The team's commitment to progress means they will be evaluating players who meet their performance standards, ensuring that they are equipped to compete at the highest level. Watson's journey is not over, but for now, the Buccaneers are looking ahead without him.
