What To Do With Noah Spence?

Noah Spence was considered by some to be the best pass rusher in the 2016 draft, however, due to issues while in college, he fell to the second round. The Bucs jumped at the chance to get the talented edge rusher.

Spence’s career started out pretty solid, putting up some decent numbers: 5.5 sacks and 3 FF in 16 games.

During his Sophomore season, The young LB/DE was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder which required surgery. There is an argument that it had not fully healed despite Spence’s reassurance that everything is fine.

So what do the Bucs do about Spence this year?

After this season, his 4-year $6,036,301 rookie contract will be at an end. Spence could be traded this offseason or released, although paying him would be cheaper.

Noah Spence has been considered a bust due to not being able to fit with the previous Buccaneers’ defensive regime, but Todd Bowles brought in all new guys. A defensive switch could do the 3rd year man out of Eastern Kentucky some good. Many believe Spence would excel when blitzing QBs from the outside LB position in a 3-4 defense. If Bowles decides to utilize Spence and change to a full-on 3-4 scheme, he could have success and finally make a name for himself in the NFL. Other than Bucs. Either way, whatever decision happens to be made, this is likely Spence’s last chance to shape up or he will have to ship out.