It was a long shot that wide receiver Juston Watson was going to be back on the Bucs roster next year. Now, it’s a virtual certainty he’ll be elsewhere. Following a workout in Kansas City, Watson is signing a one-year deal with the Chiefs. The four-year receiver finished the 2021 season on the Bucs practice squad.

Amazingly, Watson was actually competing with Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson for the No. 3 wide receiver spot in 2020. Heading into training camp, Watson was even seen as the favorite by some. The former day three draft pick played a lot over the first quarter of the season, but quickly took a backseat in the Bucs’ offense. When Antonio Brown arrived in Week 8, Watson lost all playing time.

Over four years, the Penn product managed just 23 catches for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Watson never blossomed on offense, but did become a standout special teamer. In 2020, Watson led the Bucs in special teams tackles. Famously, Watson registered a special teams sack when he tackled a punter after a botched snap. He was expected to retain his role in 2021, but disaster struck. In July, it was announced that Watson would need knee surgery and miss most of the season.

The receiver did return before the end of the season, but played just 19 special team snaps. Watson dealt with other nagging injuries, before being waived and returning to the practice squad. Now, he’ll compete in Kansas City to keep his NFL career alive.