NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Saints

Buccaneers

• Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians told reporters after the game that they “don’t think there’s any serious damage” to WR Mike Evans‘ knee: “Knock on wood, we don’t think there’s any serious damage. We’ll know more in the next 24 hours.” (Sara Walsh)
• Arians added it will take two players to replace Evans: “It sounds cold at times but you have to move on.” (Rick Stroud)
• Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown earned a $250,000 incentive bonus tied to receptions on Sunday. (Adam Schefter)

Falcons

• Falcons QB Matt Ryan was asked if he thinks there’s any chance he’s not back with Falcons next season: “I don’t think so. I think I’m here. I feel like I can be a really good football player for this team for a long time. But no one knows. You never know in this league what can happen.” (Jeff Schultz)
• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo report the Falcons have been researching Buccaneers DC Todd Bowles, Titans OC Arthur Smith and Rams DC Brandon Staley for their head coaching vacancy. 
• Former Texans GM Rick Smith is seen as a strong candidate for Atlanta’s general manager vacancy. However, the trio reports Atlanta is also planning to talk to Colts director of college scouting Morocco Brown, Saints assistant GM Terry Fontenot, Rams college scouting director Brad Holmes, Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly, Vikings assistant GM George Paton and Bills assistant GM Joe Schoen.
• Jay Glazer does expect Falcons interim HC Raheem Morris to get the Falcons’ coaching job, as they’re expected to target an offensive-minded head coach.
• Morris told reporters after Sunday’s game that his interview for the job was fair and long: “I am invested in the Falcons.” Morris added that “there’s no doubt” he wants to be the Falcons head coach. (Tori McElhany)
• Jason La Canfora continues to hear that the Falcons are “super-intrigued” by Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
• La Canfora explains that Atlanta hasn’t had a top-notch play caller since Kyle Shanahan left and there is “growing buzz” about Smith in Atlanta.
• La Canfora also hears that former Texans GM Rick Smith is “the guy to beat” for the Falcons’ GM job.
• Tom Pelissero reports that the Falcons have requested to interview Colts director of college scouting Morocco Brown for their GM job. 

Saints

• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo write that Saints secondary coach Aaron Glenn should draw at least one coaching interview this year.
• Saints WR Emmanuel Sanders earned $500,000 for reaching reception incentives in his contract. (Adam Schefter)