[UPDATE: 9:59 a.m.]

The coming 2019 season very well may be the final chance for Bucs defensive end Noah Spence to make a mark with the team that drafted him.

After two seasons that were injury-plagued by shoulder issues, Spence was pretty much a non-factor this past season. So much so that sometimes, Joe had to check the roster to make sure the former second-round pick was still active.

Earlier today, Alex Marvez of SiriusXM NFL Radio reported new Bucs defensive coordinator (though not yet officially announced) will bring long-time NFL defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers with him from his previous gig with the Jets.

In New Jersey, Rodgers was Bowles’ defensive coordinator.

Joe did quick research on Rodgers and in his 10 seasons as an NFL defensive line coach, three with the Cowboys and seven in Miami, only once has Rodgers’ defensive line finished in the bottom half of the league in sacks. In fact, in six of Rodgers’ 10 seasons as defensive line coach, Rodgers’ players have finished in the top-ten in sacks.

Here is where Rodgers’ defensive front ranked each season he coached defensive line in the NFL.

2005: 14th.

2006: 19th.

2007: 3rd.

2008: 8th.

2009: 3rd.

2010: 10th.

2011: 10th.

2012: 7th.

2013: 11th.

2014: 16th.

Rodgers came to the Cowboys in 2003 as a defensive tackles coach under Bill Parcells (with Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator). Rodgers also served as defensive line coach with Dallas in his last season with the Cowboys under defensive wizard Wade Phillips, who succeeded Parcells.

So Joe is going to guess if Rodgers cannot turn around Spence this year, it will also mark Spence’s last season with the Bucs.

Joe is just going to guess a guy who worked with Bill Parcells is a no-BS guy.

[UPDATE: 9:59 a.m.] There seems to be some debate whether Buckner leaving is a done deal or not, or if Buckner will be retained.