NFC South Free Agency Tracker
NFL free agency has started with its usual frenzy of signings and big money being thrown around. With free agency not officially beginning until Wednesday, the circus actually started with the ''legal tampering period'' on Monday.
Not surprisingly, the New Orleans Saints did not get involved in the early portion of free agency. They rarely do. The Saints typically wait until the second wave of free agency to address team needs. They'll sign at least a few players.
While New Orleans didn't dive headfirst into the initial frenzy, their NFC South foes could not say the same. Atlanta, Carolina, and Tampa Bay all made headlines for different reasons.
Here is the up-to-date player tracker for all four NFC South teams, including trades, free-agent additions and losses, and significant re-signings.
Atlanta Falcons
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) fumbles on a sack by New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94). Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Additions
• Kirk Cousins, QB
• Darnell Mooney, WR
• Rondale Moore, WR (trade - Cardinals)
Lost
• Jonnu Smith, TE (Dolphins)
• Desmond Ridder, QB (trade - Cardinals)
Atlanta made perhaps the biggest early splash of free agency when they signed Cousins to four-year and $180 million dollar deal. The 35-year-old Cousins is expected to unlock the potential of several former top draft picks by the Falcons on the offensive side.
The Falcons also added speed to their receiving corps, acquiring Mooney and Moore to go with WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts for Cousins.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is sacked by Jacksonville Jaguars linebackers Travon Walker (44) linebacker Josh Allen (41). © Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK
Added
• Robert Hunt, G
• Damien Lewis, G
• A'Shawn Robinson, DT
• Josey Jewell, LB
• Dionte Johnson, WR (trade - Steelers)
• Dane Jackson, CB
• K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge
• Jordan Fuller, S
• Josh Nijman, OT
• David Moore, WR
• Justin Strnad, LB
Lost
• Brian Burns, DE (trade - Giants)
• Jeremy Chinn, S (Washington)
• Donte Jackson, CB (trade - Steelers)
• Frankie Luvu, LB (Washington)
• Bradley Bozeman, C (Chargers)
The top overall pick in last year's draft, QB Bryce Young was sacked an eye-popping 62 times as a rookie. Carolina signed two of the top guards in free agency to cut down on that number. Now, the Panthers must give their young signal caller some talent at the skill positions. Moving Burns for a 2024 second-round choice might help to do that.
Carolina is clearly trying to surround Young with the necessary talent to succeed. However, they've already lost four of their best players on an underrated defense.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas (13) catches a pass over Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24). Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY
Added
• Zander Horvath, FB
• Willie Gay Jr., LB
• Nathan Peterman, QB
• Cedrick Wilson, WR
• Stanley Morgan Jr., WR
• Chase Young, DE
• Olisaemeka Udoh, G/T
• Ugo Amadi, S (re-signed)
• Johnathan Abram, S (re-signed)
Lost
• Michael Thomas, WR
• Marcus Maye, S
• Jameis Winston, QB (Browns)
• Zack Baun, LB (Eagles)
• Lonnie Johnson, S (Texans)
• Malcolm Roach, DT (Broncos)
• Isaac Yiadom, CB (49ers)
Most of their early work has been spent on restructures and reworked deals to get under the salary cap. Now that they have, anyone expecting the Saints to stay completely quiet in free agency is simply foolish. This team still has glaring needs at offensive line, WR depth, edge rusher, LB depth, and safety and only two picks in the top 100 of the draft.
New Orleans added former Kansas City LB Willie Gay in their first significant move. Gay will be an athletic running mate to Demario Davis, which should boost the entire defense. A bigger splash was made by the Saints when they signed DE Chase Young to a one-year deal in hopes of upgrading their anemic pass rush.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) passes to receiver Mike Evans (13) against the Houston Texans. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY
Added
• Baker Mayfield, QB (re-signed)
• Mike Evans, WR (re-signed)
• Lavonte David, LB (re-signed)
• Greg Gaines, DT (re-signed)
• Jordan Whitehead, S
• Bryce Hall, CB
• Ben Bredeson, G
• John Wolford, QB
• Sua Opeta, G
Lost
• Carlton Davis, CB (traded - Lions)
• Shaq Barrett, LB (Dolphins)
• Devin White, LB (Eagles)
There will be changes in Tampa Bay, but most will be on the defensive side. The Buccaneers managed to lock up their two best offensive players on long-term deals in hopes of winning a fourth straight NFC South title.
