Defensive end William Gholston signed a five-year, $36.5 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His new contract carries with it $13.5 million in guarantees and keeps him with the team until 2022. Gholston spent the first four seasons of his career with the Buccaneers.
William Gholston to Re-Sign with Tampa Bay
William Gholston was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, serving largely as a depth linemen until the 2016 season. Over his first three seasons as a rotational player, he complied 89 total tackles, seven sacks, and a surprising eight defended passes.
Gholston became a full-time starter this past season where he asserted himself as a capable run-stuffer, serving to anchor the right side of an underrated Tampa line. Although his total tackle numbers fell from a 2015 high of 47 to a decent 37 in 2016, his presence – or lack thereof – on the field was clearly felt. Tampa’s defensive scheme typically allowed Gholston to cover the mistakes of his more-renowned peers like Gerald McCoy, Robert Ayers, and Noah Spence. More importantly, his absence in the final two-and-a-half games of the season was noticeable on the right side of the line. While never a strength, the right side became a liability after Gholston’s injury. Tampa was no longer able to generate consistent pressure from the entire line and the larger defense suffered.
Individually, Gholston has struggled with inconsistency at times but it’s equally arguable that his career trajectory is aimed upwards. Despite serving up a better overall stat-line in 2015, Gholston was a better player in 2016. He’s well-regarded by both his fellow linemen and the coaching staff, suggesting that his role is vital to the organization.
His play did become a little more one-dimensional in Mike Smith‘s defense, where he was better against the run. But it would be unfair to label him as a poor pass-defender, as he still notched a modest three sacks and his play in previous seasons shows a more well-rounded style.
Ultimately, William Gholston is a good, young lineman with the potential to be an above-average defensive end. He would be an excellent fit as a starter on a developing team or as a solid backup on a team simply seeking depth.
