NFC Notes: Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Falcons

• Scott Bair of the team website points out 2021 is a critical year for Falcons LB Foye Oluokun, as it’s the final year of his contract. 
• Bair notes the former sixth-round pick out of Yale has established himself as a starter in Atlanta’s defense but he needs to prove he’s a good fit for new DC Dean Pees‘ defense to merit a second contract, especially given how much the Falcons have already invested in LB Deion Jones.

Panthers

The Panthers got next to nothing out of the tight end position in 2020 and made it a point of emphasis to try and fix that this offseason. Carolina signed Dan Arnold to a two-year, $6 million deal and spent a third-round pick on TE Tommy Tremble. The Panthers don’t lack for weapons on offense but OC Joe Brady says getting their tight ends involved might be one of the most important factors to their success in 2021. 

“The system … I grew up in, the tight end position was the most important position on the field,” Brady said via ESPN’s David Newton. “The matchups that they create and everything else … it’s been a point of emphasis this offseason, just trying to get those guys going in the passing game.”

Saints

Saints DT David Onyemata, now entering his sixth year in the league, said he’s become “more comfortable” as a leader over the years. 

“It’s something that has become more comfortable over the years,” Onyemata said, via John Deshazier of the team’s official site. “Me coming here, my third year I was kind of like the second oldest in the room at that point. So, I take that up.”

Onyemata said he always carried the mindset of being coachable and never becoming complacent. 

“When I go into a season, I go in to be a sponge and to be able to take coaching,” Onyemata said. “Because the moment you think you’re better than you actually are, you’re going to get surprised by the football gods.”

Onyemata reiterated that he’s taking a leadership role with the Saints’ defensive line.

“We’ve got a group of younger guys in here, (but) we’ve got a pretty good group right now,” Onyemata said. “Right now, I’d say I’m the second oldest guy in the D-line room, so I’ve got to take that role as a leader in that room.”