Markees Watts

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		22	13	1.5	—
2025		15	9	0.5	0
2024		5	—	—	—
2023		7

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This Markees Watts signing earns an A CVI and represents exactly the type of steal that championship rosters are built on. Locking up a capable depth linebacker for just $900K annually over three years gives Tampa Bay exceptional value for a player who can contribute meaningfully in rotational packages and special teams coverage. At that price point, Watts only needs to provide solid backup production to justify his contract, and the Buccaneers are getting a proven NFL-caliber defender without any real financial risk. The three-year structure is particularly shrewd, as it keeps a reliable depth piece under team control through multiple seasons while maintaining salary cap flexibility for bigger moves. Tampa Bay's front office continues to demonstrate why they're among the league's best at finding impact players in the lower tiers of free agency, turning what could have been a throwaway roster spot into legitimate defensive depth at a bargain rate.

Performance Analysis

Markees Watts earns an F grade as a linebacker who hasn't been able to crack a meaningful role with the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay's defensive depth has improved, and Watts finds himself on the outside looking in at the linebacker rotation. His limited appearances have shown effort and athleticism, but the overall production hasn't warranted more opportunities. The Buccaneers need their depth players to contribute when called upon, and Watts hasn't demonstrated that ability consistently. He's a fringe roster player whose path to playing time is extremely narrow.