NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints, C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Buccaneers

Former Bucs HC Bruce Arians, who is still around as a consultant in a part-time role, highlighted some of the younger offensive players he thinks have stood out this summer. 

“(Receiver/returner) Jaelon Darden made great strides in spring and camp. I think all the draft picks. [Second-round TE] Cade Otton has really showed me what I thought he’d do as a blocker, and [sixth-round TE] Ko Kieft; both those young tight ends have been very impressive,” Arians said via the Athletic’s Greg Auman. “[Third-round RB] Rachaad White is everything I hoped he would be. The draft guys nailed it. You never know until you get them out there, but White is going to be a hell of a player.”

Falcons

• ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports several other teams were interested in trading for WR Laviska Shenault, including the Falcons and Packers.

Panthers

• ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports several other teams were interested in trading for WR Laviska Shenault, including the Falcons and Packers.
• Jordan Schultz reports the Panthers like Shenault’s versatility and ability to line up anywhere offensively.

Saints

• NOLA.com’s Jeff Duncan reports the Saints were in discussions with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson on a long-term extension and were about $4 million a year apart.
• Duncan adds that team officials were unhappy with not just his asking price, but his decision to skip training camp workouts.
• The team then opted to focus on future deals for OL Erik McCoy and DL Marcus Davenport, and dealt Gardner-Johnson to the Eagles so they would get a return for him now instead of letting him walk in free agency.
• Saints HC Dennis Allen on the trade: “We traded Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Eagles. I want to say this: That was not an easy decision. We wouldn’t have done that if we didn’t feel extremely confident in the group we had.” (Luke Johnson)