NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• Per ESPN’s Jenna Laine, Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians said you can’t ask for much more in a developmental quarterback than what Tampa Bay got in Josh Rosen: “I think it was an excellent move. Josh wanted to be here. We wanted him here. I really liked him coming out. … He’s learned, he’s sharp, he’s big — he’s got everything you’re looking for. It’s a great guy to groom.”
• Arians thinks RB Leonard Fournette can have an immediate impact in Week 1 against the Saints: “He’ll have a role, a solid role in this plan. He’s a very bright guy. He picked it up pretty quick today. Obviously he can’t do everything, but he’ll have a solid role in the plan for the week.” (Laine)
• As to why his stay in Jacksonville was cut short, Fournette said “things happen.” (Greg Auman)
• He’s excited to have opponents “planning for eight guys and not just one” after joining a loaded Buccaneers offense, as he ran against eight-man boxes much of the time with the Jaguars. (Auman)
• That of course includes QB Tom Brady: “For the first time in my life, I really have a quarterback.” (Auman)
• Buccaneers LB Lavonte David said he’s letting his agent handle any potential extension while he focuses on the season and letting “the chips fall where they may.” (Auman)

Panthers

• Per the Athletic’s Joe Person, Panthers GM Marty Hurney said Luke Kuechly‘s transition from linebacker to pro scout has been pretty seamless: “He’s doing the same thing he did when he was playing – staying til 9 or 10 o’clock.”
• While Hurney acknowledged he’s been keeping an eye out for secondary help, he said fourth-round CB Troy Pride has improved every week, while CB Corn Elder can play inside and out and new addition CB Rasul Douglas has starting experience. (Person)
• Hurney noted Panthers CB Eli Apple‘s ankle injury is different than the one he had last year and he should be back from IR at some point this year. (David Newton)
• Hurney called it a “calculated risk” to waive DE Efe Obada to make a number of waiver claims, including for DE Shareef Miller: “That was a tough three or four hours (Monday) just crossing our fingers that he would clear (waivers).” (Person)
• Despite the reports, Hurney wasn’t worried about Panthers LT Russell Okung retiring due to COVID-19 this year: “We cannot be more happy than Russell Okung. He’s come in and taken a leadership role right off the bat.” (Person)
• Hurney has not yet discussed an extension with OT Taylor Moton or WR Curtis Samuel. (Person)

Saints

• Pro Football Talk reports that the Saints and RB Alvin Kamara are still working to get a deal done. Kamara also denies that his absences from practice are contract related.
• Saints’ HC Sean Payton declined to go in-depth on the negotiations, but said: “I’m confident that at some point we’ll get this done, and we’ll let you know when that happens.”
• Mike Triplett mentions four surprises on the Saints’ unofficial depth chart: Erik McCoy at center, Cesar Ruiz at right guard, Taysom Hill ahead of Jameis Winston at backup quarterback, and Kaden Elliss being listed ahead of rookie Zack Baun at linebacker.