Markees Watts Bio
Markees Watts (born December 7, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 240 pounds, he plays on the defensive side of the ball and contributes on special teams. He played college football for the Charlotte 49ers before joining the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
A native of South Carolina, Watts built his game through a steady climb from high school standout to multi-year college starter and then into the professional ranks. His path reflects patience and perseverance, as he developed through limited early snaps into a productive defender at the Football Bowl Subdivision level before earning his opportunity in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Markees Watts was born on December 7, 1999, and grew up in Lancaster, South Carolina. He attended Lancaster High School, where he developed into one of the area’s most disruptive defensive players. During his sophomore and junior seasons, he earned back-to-back regional defensive player of the year honors, a run during which he compiled 27 sacks and established himself as a relentless pass rusher off the edge.
His senior season, however, was cut short by a season-ending injury that occurred on the very first play of the year. The setback limited his visibility among college recruiters, and he was rated as a two-star recruit by major scouting services. Despite the lower rating, Watts remained committed to continuing his football career at the next level.
Coming out of high school, Watts chose to play college football for the Charlotte 49ers, joining a program that was still establishing its identity at the FBS level. That decision set the stage for his development into a starting defensive end and linebacker prospect.
Path to American Football
Watts arrived at Charlotte as a true freshman in 2018 and immediately appeared in all 12 games, though his role was limited and he finished with just two tackles. The experience gave him a foundation in the 49ers’ defensive scheme and allowed him to adjust to the speed and physical demands of college football.
In his second season in 2019, Watts broke through as a full-time starter. He started all 13 games and finished third in Conference USA with 9.5 sacks, a performance that earned him honorable mention All-Conference USA recognition. The shortened 2020 campaign, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, limited him to five games with one start, but he returned healthy for the 2021 season.
During 2021, Watts started all 12 games for the 49ers and led the team in tackles for loss with 9.0 while placing second on the squad with 4.0 sacks. His consistency as a run defender and pass rusher helped solidify his profile as a prospect capable of competing at the professional level, even without the benefit of a major-conference platform or national awards.
Markees Watts Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Watts’ early college career at Charlotte was defined by gradual progression rather than immediate stardom. As a freshman in 2018, he played all 12 games in a reserve role and recorded two tackles, gaining valuable experience and adjusting to the college game while learning from older teammates on the defensive line.
The 2019 season marked his arrival as an impact player. Starting all 13 games, he produced 9.5 sacks, good for third in Conference USA, and earned honorable mention All-Conference USA honors. The performance confirmed that he could be a disruptive edge presence on a consistent basis, even against experienced upperclassmen competition.
Charlotte 49ers Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Watts’ junior campaign in 2020 was reduced to five games and one start because of the COVID-19-shortened schedule, limiting his statistical output. He used the disruption to focus on his body and technique, returning for the 2021 season in peak form.
In 2021, Watts started all 12 games and led Charlotte in tackles for loss with 9.0 while finishing second on the team with 4.0 sacks. His production against the run and as a pass rusher made him one of the 49ers’ most reliable defenders and helped position him for a chance at the next level, even as an unheralded prospect.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2023–Present)
Following the 2022 college season and the 2023 NFL Draft, Watts signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. The agreement gave him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot on a veteran defensive unit and to develop within the Buccaneers’ system under the team’s defensive coaching staff.
As a member of the Buccaneers, Watts has worked to carve out a role as a linebacker contributing on defense and special teams. His combination of college pass-rushing production, positional flexibility, and special teams value has been central to his approach as he looks to establish a longer-term foothold in the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Watts is known for his quick first step off the edge and his ability to disrupt passing lanes with active hands. He pairs pass-rushing instincts with the run-defending toughness he displayed at Charlotte, where he led the 49ers in tackles for loss in 2021. His special teams background and willingness to do the unglamorous work of the game have also been cited as strengths that help him fit into a professional defensive room.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Watts’ career was his 2019 breakout at Charlotte, when his 9.5 sacks placed him third in Conference USA and earned him honorable mention All-Conference USA recognition. His 2021 campaign, in which he led the 49ers in tackles for loss, served as the springboard to his eventual signing with the Buccaneers.
Markees Watts Career Wins
Watts’ career to this point has been defined more by individual statistical production and developmental milestones than by championship trophies. His most celebrated achievements are his back-to-back regional defensive player of the year awards at Lancaster High School, his 2019 All-Conference USA honorable mention, and his leadership role on Charlotte’s defense in 2021.
Charlotte 49ers Highlights
At Charlotte, Watts’ signature statistical season came in 2019, when he posted 9.5 sacks and was named honorable mention All-Conference USA. He followed that with a team-leading 9.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks in 2021, cementing his place among the 49ers’ top defenders of his era.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his college production, Watts’ most significant professional achievement has been earning a spot on an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers represented validation of his development path and provided a platform to continue his growth at the sport’s highest level.
Markees Watts Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Markees Watts grew up in Lancaster, South Carolina, and attended Lancaster High School, where he built the foundation of his football career. Public details about his broader family background are limited, and he has largely kept his personal support system out of the spotlight.
Personal Life
Watts has maintained a relatively private personal life, with limited public information available about his relationships or family beyond his South Carolina roots. His focus since turning professional has centered on his development with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Markees Watts continues his work with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as he looks to expand his role on defense and contribute on special teams. Coming off an undrafted free agent signing in 2023, his primary storyline is one of consolidation: turning early roster opportunity into a stable, multi-year presence in the NFL.
Within the Buccaneers’ defensive room, Watts is expected to compete for snaps at linebacker while maintaining his core identity as an edge-disruptive player developed at Charlotte. His familiarity with the team’s scheme and his special teams value give him a clear path to remaining in the rotation.
The outlook for Watts in 2025 centers on continued growth and reliability rather than headline numbers. If he can build on his college production and translate it into consistent professional play, he has a chance to extend his career with the Buccaneers and establish himself as a dependable depth piece on a contending defensive unit.