Saints Re-Sign Noah Spence

New Orleans makes their first move of free agency, retaining some of their depth by re-signing defensive end Noah Spence.

The New Orleans Saints will re-sign defensive end, Noah Spence, per multiple reports. Originally a 2nd round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2016 NFL Draft. Spence, 27, has spent the last two seasons on injured reserve with New Orleans. The reports say Spence's contract is a one-year deal at the veteran minimum and will cost just 880k towards the salary cap.

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) pressures during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Spence had 7.5 sacks, 16 QB hits, 3 tackles for loss, and forced 4 fumbles in 34 games over three years with the Buccaneers. He joined the Washington Redskins as a free agent in 2019, accumulating a sack and 2 QB hits in seven games before being released at mid-season.

The Saints picked him up off waivers at that point, where he was inactive for the rest of that season but re-signed him for 2020. Spence suffered a torn ACL during offseason workouts and would miss the 2020 season.

The 6’2” 251-Lb Spence has an explosive burst off the edge and has shown the ability to be a disruptive pass rusher. Especially during his rookie year, when he had a career-high 5.5 sacks and 12 QB hits. Now healthy, he could provide valuable depth behind Marcus Davenport and Carl Granderson along the edge for a New Orleans defense that will probably lose DE Trey Hendrickson in free agency.