The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Buccaneers: 4 players entering make-or-break seasons

By Ryan Doyle

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium on August 24, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up during a preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium on August 24, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 11: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to pass while under pressure from Noah Spence #57 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 11: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to pass while under pressure from Noah Spence #57 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 11, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Noah Spence

Not only is Noah Spence’s time with the Buccaneers in jeopardy, but his NFL career may be over soon as well. Touted as one of the most talented pass rushers in the 2016 draft, Spence won’t be on the field often next season.

While he will get situational pass rushing reps, Spence’s inability to dominate third string tackles in the preseason doesn’t bode well. There’s no reason to expect much of him with his poor performance in exhibition games.

Must Read. Noah Spence enters crucial 2018 season. light

Spence is still on his rookie deal until 2019, but his money jumps to over $1.2 million next season, according to spotrac.com. Odds are, the Buccaneers will eat the dead money left on his contract rather than give that much to a player who only garners a handful of snaps per game.

If Spence wants any chance to stay with the Bucs, he needs to go above and beyond this season. There was plenty of hype surrounding his diet and physique, but it didn’t make a difference in training camp.

He will be playing with an improved front seven and is in a position to succeed as other players will draw attention away from him.

Health will be another key for Spence. Nagging shoulder injuries have slowed him down up to this point of his career.

Home/Bucs News