NFC Notes: Bill Belichick, Terry Fontenot, Arthur Blank, Brian Burns, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Falcons

Falcons owner Arthur Blank wasn’t available at new HC Raheem Morris‘ introductory press conference due to a minor medical situation to answer questions about why he chose Morris after appearing to be seriously interested in former Patriots HC Bill Belichick. Team president Greg Beadles and GM Terry Fontenot fielded the question instead, with Fontenot saying a “very thorough” process highlighted Morris’ “infectious energy” and “collaborative mindset,” making it “very clear that there was one person who stood out and that was Raheem Morris.” 

“Coach Belichick was obviously a very serious candidate,” said Beadles via the Athletic’s Josh Kendall. “You can’t have anything but respect for what he has done. At the end of the day, it was about what was the best fit for us.”

Kendall points out this process seems to have solidified Fontenot’s standing in the building. Although he and former HC Arthur Smith were hired at the same time, Blank chose to keep him and let Smith go. While Fontenot wasn’t part of the press conference announcing Smith’s departure — it was Blank and CEO Rich McKay speaking to reporters as the faces of the team — and Blank initially said he would have “input” into the search process, Fontenot said he was the one who led the search. Kendall says Morris and Fontenot will both report to Blank now instead of McKay. 

“I appreciate the trust Arthur had in allowing me to lead that process,” Fontenot said. “A lot of people put a lot of work into the process. I was empowered to lead that process. We know Arthur made the ultimate decision.”

Panthers

• The Athletic’s Joe Person thinks it’s more likely the Panthers let OLB Brian Burns play out the franchise tag in 2024 if they can’t sign him to a long-term deal this offseason instead of trying to shop him for a trade after the tag. 
• He adds based on new GM Dan Morgan‘s comments about the type of player they need to pursue, Panthers LB Frankie Luvu will be a priority for an extension to keep in Carolina. 
• After that, Person has a long list of free agents who likely will get more interest from other teams, including S Jeremy Chinn, WR DJ Chark, CB C.J. Henderson, WR Laviska Shenault and possibly DE Yetur Gross-Matos.
• Person mentions Panthers WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette is a candidate to be tendered as a restricted free agent.