What now for Justin Watson?

In what has become a frustrating case of “what might have been”, Justin Watson again finds himself on the roster bubble. Knee surgery sending the former Penn and Ivy League star to PUP for an extended period, effectively ending his competition for a roster spot.

This is not the first time that the veteran receiver has stalled before even getting into a rhythm. Once again, Watson will be on the outside looking in.

This is not how it began though, this tale started with hope and anticipation, only to be ending with despair. Drafted out the 5th round in 2018, Justin Watson was a 3-time All Ivy-League first-team selection. Setting career records for Penn, it was clear the 6’3” wideout had NFL potential. How he might fair against more quality opposition proved to be a risk too great for 143 previous picks. It was Tampa Bay that took the gamble, one that looked like paying off.

Throughout camp, preseason, and flashes during limited action in the regular season, Watson showed that he belonged. Displaying a rare mixture of size, speed, strength, and impressive hands, he had all the makings to be a hidden gem. In 2021, is that still the case?

A career record of 39 games played for just 23 receptions, and 2 touchdowns, suggests that the breakthrough is not coming.

His career highlight so far in Pewter has been his outstanding contribution to special teams, becoming the first offensive player in Buccaneers history to record a sack during the week 10, 2020 Panthers game.

After 3 years, Watson is yet to stake his claim in what is becoming a very talented wide receiver corps. Long gone are the days that a locker room favourite can stick around the roster. A wave is sweeping through One Buc Place, a wave that will sweep away good players and only leaving behind the great. With Watson’s latest setback seeing him placed on PUP, expected to miss 4 months, the likelihood is that fans should prepare to say their goodbyes.