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Free Agent Profiles: Get to Know Detroit’s Newest Additions

By Ryan O'Bleness

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Paul Worrilow answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Paul Worrilow answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Akeem Spence, Defensive Tackle

Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Akeem Spence (97) reacts to a stop against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Akeem Spence (97) reacts to a stop against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Team(s): Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2013-2016

Draft: 2013: Round 4, Pick 100 out of Illinois

Career Stats: 96 tackles, 5.5 sacks

Spence signed a three-year deal with the Lions, and provides some much needed depth on the defensive line. He appeared in all 16 games for Tampa Bay in 2016, but he only started in four of those – recording just 19 tackles and 0.5 sacks. With Tyrunn Walker testing out the market, Spence can compete with A’Shawn Robinson for a starting defensive tackle spot in 2017.

The Buccaneers drafted Spence out of Illinois in 2013. He contributed right away as a rookie, starting 14 games and recording 29 tackles and one sack. His best statistical season was in 2014 with 39 total tackles and three sacks.

According to Twentyman, Spence believes that the Lions fit his playing style. The Twentyman article also touches on the camaraderie between Spence and current Lions safety, Tavon Wilson, who were college teammates. It’s hard to tell at this point what kind of contributions Spence will make to the defense, but it should be interesting to find out.

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