Ranking the NFC South by First Round of Offseason Moves

With the first big wave of free agency behind us and the 2023 NFL Draft just weeks away, I figured it would be a good time to look at how each team in the NFC South has improved its roster.

Here is how I rank the division based on the key additions and subtractions as of today.

No. 1: Carolina Panthers

Key Additions: No. 1 Pick, HC Frank Reich, DC Ejiro Evero, RB Miles Sanders, WR Adam Thielen, WR DJ Chark, TE Hayden Hurst, DT Shy Tuttle, S Vonn Bell.

Key Departures: QB Sam Darnold, RB D'Onta Foreman, WR DJ Moore.

Analysis: Not only did the Panthers land quality talent in free agency but they also acquired the top pick in this year's draft, meaning they will have their choice of which quarterback they want to take. But it's not just the free agency signings or the trade that has Carolina at the top here. It's the coaching staff. Frank Reich did an amazing job of building his staff with a healthy mix of experienced guys and some rising stars in the profession. To this point, they have without a doubt had the best offseason.

No. 2: New Orleans Saints

Additions: QB Derek Carr, RB Jamaal Williams, S Lonnie Johnson.

Departures: WR Marquez Callaway, DT David Onyemata, DT Shy Tuttle.

Analysis: Derek Carr immediately becomes the best quarterback in the division but I don't think his arrival alone catapults the Saints as the clear favorite to win the NFC South. Michael Thomas has to stay on the field and Alvin Kamara is likely facing a suspension. Because of the amount of money they have committed to Carr, they weren't able to make any other "splash" signings.

No. 3: Atlanta Falcons

Key Additions: TE Jonnu Smith (via trade), DE Calais Campbell, DT David Onyemata, FS Jessie Bates III.

Key Departures: QB Marcus Mariota, OL Chuma Edoga.

Analysis: The Falcons will be able to carve up the middle of the field with a strong tight end duo of Jonnu Smith and Kyle Pitts. The addition of Smith will allow Atlanta to flex Pitts out wide more often, lining up opposite Drake London. Campbell and Onyemata are huge pick-ups but clearly, the biggest signing is Jesse Bates III, who will help sure up the back end. Atlanta has made a ton of minor moves to help their depth which is why I have them significantly ahead of Tampa.

No. 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Key Additions: QB Baker Mayfield, RB Chase Edmonds, DL Greg Gaines.

Key Departures: QB Tom Brady (retired), LT Donovan Smith, G Shaq Mason, DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, S Keanu Neal, S Mike Edwards.

Analysis: Tampa loses to Tom Brady to retirement (again) and has responded by bringing in Baker Mayfield and not much of anything else. It's a weird spot the Bucs are in. Do they continue to try and compete for the division? Or are they on the brink of a slight rebuild? Judging solely based on the moves or lack thereof, I'd have to say the latter.

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