Tampa Bay acquired fullback Lorenzo Neal from the Jets for…
Tampa Bay acquired fullback Lorenzo Neal from the Jets for the 146th pick in the 1998 draft. Neal spent only one season with the Buccaneers, but he played all 16 games and remained a useful blocking specialist before continuing a long, decorated career elsewhere. New York used the fifth-rounder on Blake Spence, whose NFL career totaled 18 games and four receptions.
New York Jets Received
- pick 1998 5th round pick (146th overall, Blake Spence)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Received
- player Lorenzo Neal
Trade Analysis
Why Tampa Bay Added Neal
Tampa Bay acquired Lorenzo Neal from the Jets on March 12, 1998, sending New York a fifth-round draft choice. Neal was already an established NFL fullback and had played all 16 games for the Jets in 1997. The Buccaneers were adding a veteran fullback to Tony Dungy’s offense at a relatively low acquisition cost, while New York chose to turn a role player into draft capital.
What Neal Gave the Buccaneers
Neal played all 16 games for Tampa Bay in 1998. His box-score production was naturally modest for a blocking fullback: five carries for 25 yards and five receptions for 14 yards, with one receiving touchdown. He started only once, and he left for Tennessee the next year. That short tenure keeps Tampa Bay’s grade below the top range even though Neal later became a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro elsewhere. Those later honors belong to later teams, not Tampa.
What the Jets Got From the Pick
New York used No. 146 on tight end Blake Spence. Spence’s entire NFL career lasted 18 games. He caught four passes for 20 yards and one touchdown, never becoming a regular offensive contributor. The pick therefore produced little sustained value. It is important to list Spence only as the player selected with the acquired pick, not as an additional asset received in the trade.
Final Verdict
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Win. The Buccaneers earn a B- because they obtained a dependable veteran for a fifth-round choice and received a full season of service. The Jets receive a D+ because Spence never developed into more than deep depth. Neal’s one-year Tampa tenure prevents this from becoming a major win, but the direct football return still favored the Buccaneers.