NFC Notes: Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Falcons

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer mentions Falcons third-round C Matt Hennessy has already been impressing the team in virtual meetings. Current Falcons starting C Alex Mack is 34 and entering a contract year. 
• ESPN’s Field Yates points out the Falcons will gain $10.75 million in cap space going forward for the post-June 1 release of CB Desmond Trufant.

Panthers

As part of the wholesale organizational changes the Panthers announced going into 2020, owner David Tepper revealed his plans to hire an assistant general manager to assist current GM Marty Hurney and eventually take over. The position still hasn’t been filled and while Hurney’s contract only runs through next June, there has been some buzz about Tepper extending it. 

“I know this: I have great energy. I love working with the people in our organization, and I have a competitive drive to win,” Hurney said via the Athletic’s Joe Person. “As long as I have that, I would love to continue doing it. I pride myself in having a very good work ethic. I love the people in the organization I work with, and I’m very lucky to be able to get up every day and come to a job that I love.”

• Hurney didn’t say if the NFL has been in touch with the Panthers over their pursuit of QB Tommy Stevens as an undrafted free agent, though he maintains Carolina didn’t violate any rules while negotiating with Stevens before New Orleans drafted him. 
• Hurney confirmed there would be a competition at kicker between Graham Gano and Joey Slye, who replaced Gano in 2019 after the former went on injured reserve.
• Regarding the addition of CB Eli Apple, Hurney said the team was drawn to his youth and talent: “He’s played in the league for four years. He can run. He’s a very fluid athlete. He’s got the skillset, and we’re anxious to work with him.”
• Over The Cap’s Jason Fitzgerald writes the Panthers should pick up $10.8 million in cap savings when LB Luke Kuechly‘s retirement is processed after June 2. 

Saints

New Saints DE Margus Hunt said he feels most comfortable lining up in multiple positions along the defensive line in order to keep other teams guessing. 

 “I like being able to play anywhere on the defensive line. That way you never know what you’re going to get and they never know what they’re going to get. I actually enjoyed it a lot,” Hunt said, via Katherine Terrell of The Athletic.