Through the first wave of free agency, the NFL team that has gotten the most buzz is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who lured Tom Brady south from New England with a two-year deal worth $50 million in guaranteed cash as well as an additional $4.5 million in performance incentives. Tampa Bay already has two Pro Bowl wide receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and a pair of athletic tight ends. Could changing one of the most gifted yet mercurial quarterbacks (Jameis Winston) out for one of the most consistent in league history pay off, even though it has become clear that Brady is on the downward side of his career arc? We will see. For those of you considering including NFL futures in your sports betting, take a look at our thoughts on the first wave of free agency for the Buccaneers — and the rest of the NFC South.
NFL: NFC South Free Agency Thoughts After Week 1
Atlanta Falcons
Hayden Hurst is the biggest name the Falcons have brought in. The tight end cost Atlanta second- and fifth-round draft choices, although the Ravens sent a fourth-round pick back in return. He is older than the tight end who left (Austin Hooper) and is not as proven. The Falcons also brought in wideout Laquon Treadwell, and while the Falcons may have saved some money, they may have lost significant offensive production.
Dante Fowler Jr may be the outside linebacker that Atlanta hoped that Vic Beasley would be, so we’ll see if swapping those players out helps the Falcons’ pass rush. Devonta Freeman is out the door, but he had been on the downward arc of his career at tailback for a couple of seasons now. The Falcons did have Todd Gurley II fall into their lap after the Rams surprisingly released the tailback, and given the Falcons’ lack of room under the salary cap, the acquisitions of him and Fowler could end up being the steals of 2020.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers not only bring in a new head coach, as Matt Rhule, who made his mark at Temple and then Baylor in the college ranks, comes to town to replace the venerable Ron Rivera, but they have made as many changes as any other team. Gone is quarterback Cam Newton (released), and serviceable backup Kyle Allen has been shipped to Washington. In their places are Teddy Bridgewater, who deserved a starting role after playing well in New Orleans, and P.J. Walker, who has gained significant notice for his play with the Houston Roughnecks in the XFL.
On defense, the changes leave the team still in a state of flux. Luke Kuechly retired, and Dontari Poe, Vernon Butler and Mario Addison all left via free agency. So far the team has replaced them with Stephen Weatherly and Tahir Whitehead, but the front seven still needs some significant work before the season begins.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints got Drew Brees to come back for another title run. Losing Eli Apple and Vonn Bell from the secondary is an issue, but safety Malcolm Jenkins comes to town, adding not just monster hits but also leadership, on and off the field. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders continues his tour of the NFL, as he started last year with Denver, was traded to San Francisco and now finds himself in the Crescent City. He remains one of football’s best underrated wide receivers, and lining up on the other side of the formation from Michael Thomas should get him plenty of targets.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
One thing we do know about Tom Brady is that he won’t turn the ball over as often as Jameis Winston did. Winston might have thrown for more yards, and maybe even more touchdowns, but ball security will improve. The Buccaneers kept their pass rush strong by retaining Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett. The biggest loss was wide receiver Breshad Perriman, but remember the depth that the Bucs have at that position.
