The Buccaneers Must Stay Away from Quinton Coples

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) speaks to New York Jets outside linebacker Quinton Coples (98) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) speaks to New York Jets outside linebacker Quinton Coples (98) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buccaneers are in the market for an edge pass rusher. Quinton Coples is likely to be released by the Miami Dolphins. Once a first round pick, Coples would now be a bad idea.

Free agency is looming. We have talked about the fact that the Buccaneers will have plenty of money under the salary cap to improve the franchise.  We have also discussed the need for an edge pass rusher.  Gerald McCoy can get to the quarterback, but they need a guy that can consistently get back there, week to week. McCoy, at times, disappeared.

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Quinton Coples was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2012 draft.  Last season, the Jets released him and he landed in Miami.  Coples has been released by the Dolphins.  He did show promise with the Jets, at times.  Should the Bucs give him a look?

No way.  Jason Licht should stay far away.

To be fair, Coples showed some signs of life during his first three years with the Jets, while under the leadership of Rex Ryan.  Take a look:

Defense & Fumbles

GamesDef InterceptionsFumblesSacks & Tackles
YearAgeTmPosNo.GGSIntYdsTDLngPDFFFmbFRYdsTDSkTklAstSftyAV
201222NYJde98162000025.52284
201323NYJLB98141300003100004.524147
201424NYJde/LB981615100006.525108
2015252TM16200100442
MIA98600
NYJlb9810200100442
Career6232000052010016.5753621
4 yrsNYJ5632000052010016.5753621
1 yrMIA600

You will notice that he fell off the map in 2015. It did coincide with the arrival of Todd Bowles and the departure of Rex Ryan. The going theory in New York is that he didn’t fit with the scheme, so he never saw the field, and eventually was shown the door.

Correct, but I believe there was more than that.

Coples entered the NFL with a shaky reputation when it comes to effort. The experts questioned his motor, and to me, it showed. He posted his share of sacks, sometimes in big spots, just not consistently. He would disappear, and have no influence on a game. His effort is simply inconsistent.

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The Bucs are already familiar with players that disappear. They don’t need to go there.

Please, Jason Licht, stay away from Coples.