The New Orleans Saints officially signed defensive end Anthony Chickillo on Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the team placed pass-rusher Noah Spence (knee) on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list because he tore his ACL preparing for training camp this summer. Chickillo, a former sixth-round pick of the Steelers in 2015, had just 19 tackles (nine solo) and half a sack in 11 games for the Steelers in 2019. The 27-year-old has just 7.5 sacks in his five seasons and will be pass-rushing depth for the Saints. Spence was a second-round bust of the Buccaneers and had one sack in seven games for the Redskins in 2019.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence has reportedly put on 35 pounds this past offseason. Spence now weighs approximately 263 pounds which could benefit him throughout the year. The former second-round pick has dealt with labrum issues the past two seasons causing him to miss a plethora of games. Maybe this new weight level could help him stay healthy and perform up to expectations. The Tampa Bay defense has significantly bolstered their line with the additions of Vita Vea and Jason Pierre-Paul. Spence could be a major factor in helping raise the level of play of a formidable front seven.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence is turning some heads at camp according to Dan Graziano. The second year player finished with 5.5 sacks last season, and look to build on that after successful off-season shoulder surgery. Spence is being mentored by veterans Gerald McCoy and Robert Ayers, who are helping him focus his on field temper. The Tampa front office would like to see Spence add some weight, but his defensive coordinator, Mike Smith, is confident he succeed without it, "When he puts his hands on you, even though he doesn't carry the weight of an average defensive end, he's very heavy-handed, and he can play the run."