NFC South free agency preview: Pro Bowl-caliber players likely moving on
A snapshot of each team's roster and considerations heading into free agency, which officially begins March 10 at 4 p.m. ET:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Prominent free agents: KR/CB Javier Arenas, DE Kroy Biermann, G Justin Blalock (released), OL Gabe Carimi, WR Harry Douglas (released), S Charles Godfrey, RB Steven Jackson (released), T Mike Johnson, S Dwight Lowery, DE Jonathan Massaquoi (released), CB Robert McClain, TE Bear Pascoe, DT Corey Peters, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, RB Antone Smith, DE Osi Umenyiora, OLB Sean Weatherspoon, CB Josh Wilson, QB T.J. Yates
Issues: This team will look drastically different in 2015, and the makeover is already underway with Jackson and Douglas jettisoned. WR Julio Jones is a year away from being eligible for free agency.
Our advice: As he continue to clear cap space, GM Thomas Dimitroff is better off following through on his desire to lock up Jones now rather than let his price escalate. New OC Kyle Shanahan will need a tailback and linemen who can execute his zone-blocking scheme. Dimitroff ought to consider moving on from T Sam Baker, who's expensive, has played in just four games in the past two seasons and may not fit the playbook. Finally, new coach Dan Quinn was hired to elevate the league's worst defense closer to the top-ranked units he oversaw in Seattle. Weatherspoon's 2014 Achilles injury should make him easier to sign, and he would fit in well assuming his athleticism hasn't suffered. Quinn might want to import some of his former Seahawks. DE O'Brien Schofield and OLB Malcolm Smith would be easier to land than CB Byron Maxwell, though the secondary will need to be reloaded.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Prominent free agents: LT Byron Bell, LB Chase Blackburn, S Thomas DeCoud (released), TE Ed Dickson, DT Dwan Edwards, DE Greg Hardy, G/C Fernando Velasco, QB/WR Joe Webb, T Garry Williams
Issues: With former Pro Bowler Hardy coming off the payroll after embarrassing the Panthers last year, GM Dave Gettleman finally has rare cap flexibility and may add more with RB DeAngelo Williams saying he'll be cut. But though Gettleman plans to be more of a player in free agency — he already extended TE Greg Olsen and signed T Michael Oher — he'll have to weigh such desire opposite the need to strike a long-term extension with QB Cam Newton. Luke Kuechly also needs to be paid as the league's premier inside linebacker, whether it's now or next year.
Our advice: Carolina could use a linebacker plus depth on defense. But if Gettleman is going to make a splash, he should spend on another offensive tackle — maybe even Bryan Bulaga? — and a speedy receiver, even if it's one in the affordable class such as Donnie Avery.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Prominent free agents: DT Brandon Deaderick, C Jonathan Goodwin, LB Ramon Humber, WR Robert Meachem, CB Patrick Robinson
Issues: As is typically the case, the Saints entered the offseason tight against the cap. That limits their options to a degree, though they did manage to extend TE Jimmy Graham last year while stunningly signing FS Jairus Byrd to a major deal. RB Mark Ingram, who finally had a Pro Bowl breakthrough in 2014, was re-signed after the Saints' divorce from Pierre Thomas. DE Cam Jordan can walk in 2016, though it's likely he'll be waiting until then for his next contract.
Our advice: If they want to add another playmaker to a struggling defense, they'll need to get creative and have already reworked the deals of WR Marques Colston and DT Brodrick Bunkley. Could G Jahri Evans be next?
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Prominent free agents: DE Da'Quan Bowers, DE Adrian Clayborn, T Oniel Cousins, LB Dane Fletcher, LB Mason Foster, CB Mike Jenkins, TE Luke Stocker
Issues: Year 1 of the Lovie Smith/Jason Licht era was predictably rough given the rampant personnel and philosophical changes on both sides of the ball. The team's need at quarterback will presumably be addressed atop the draft, which may also be the best way to restock at linebacker.
Our advice: The Bucs have been very active in free agency lately even though it hasn't turned their ship around. Still, Licht has the funds to lure a needed edge rusher like Brian Orakpo or Jerry Hughes ... or even make a dark horse bid for DT Ndamukong Suh, who could form a destructive tandem with Gerald McCoy. Smith could use a veteran or two familiar with his Cover 2 defense, which is why S Major Wright was re-signed. Expect Smith to have discussions with LB Lance Briggs and CB Charles Tillman, who played so capably for him in Chicago.
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