‘Made More in College I Bet’ – Fans Unhappy With Desmond Watson’s $70K Signing Bonus, Calling It a Lowball Offer

Desmond Watson, a 6’5″, 464-pound defensive tackle from the University of Florida, has been signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Watson is signing a contract worth $20,000 in bonus and $50,000 guaranteed for a total of $70,000. Fans have criticized this deal as not befitting an asset like Watson.

Fans Voice Displeasure Over Desmond Watson’s $70K Deal With the Bucs

Watson’s signing with the Bucs has ignited a wave of fan reactions, primarily centered around the perceived undervaluation of his contract. Despite his impressive stature and potential, many fans feel that the $70,000 deal does not adequately reflect his worth.

Some have pointed out that he might have earned more through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals during his college tenure. The sentiment is that the $70K deal undervalues a player who could significantly impact the team’s defensive line, especially in countering plays like the “tush push.”​

One supporter commented, “Made more in college I bet lol damn,” suggesting the player’s NFL signing bonus might be less than his college NIL earnings, as top players now often make six or seven figures annually.

Another fan wrote, “So a month’s worth of groceries?” implying the $20,000 bonus would barely cover basic food expenses for a 464-pound athlete with significant nutritional needs.

Made more in college I bet lol damn

— Cam (@notseriousknown) April 26, 2025

A user stated, “Are there any 0s missing from this post?” questioning if the reported $20,000 bonus and $50,000 guaranteed deal might be underreported compared to typical NFL rookie contracts.

Finally, a fan remarked, “So that might cover the food, but what about room & board?!” highlighting that while the bonus might handle food expenses, it likely falls short of covering other essential living costs for an NFL rookie.

Watson possesses exceptional size and strength for the Bucs. Because of this, he became the heaviest player in NFL history, beating the previous record by more than 50 pounds. On the collegiate level, he recorded 63 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. His presence on the field will help the Buccaneers’ defensive decisions in short-yardage situations.​

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This aligns with how the Buccaneers treated the NFL’s ongoing ‘tush push’ debate. Yet his massive frame allowed him to counter this controversial short-yardage tactic, which the league has considered banning for safety and skill reasons.

The addition of Watson to the team, alongside the 347-pound Vita Vea, is viewed as a crucial addition to their defensive line.​

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