NFC Rumors: Baker Mayfield, Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz met with Buccaneers WR Mike Evans‘ agent Deryk Gilmore at the Combine ahead of Evans’ free agency.

“Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him — and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority,” Gilmore said. 

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield is drawing interest from outside of Tampa Bay, though the two sides continue to discuss a long-term deal. 
• Fowler says both the Falcons and Patriots have coaching staffs with a lot of familiarity with Mayfield and a need at the position. He adds not to discount the Vikings if they end up needing a new starter. 
• ESPN’s Dan Graziano mentions Evans is expected to test his free agent market. 
• Fowler notes the Buccaneers are still working on signing S Antoine Winfield Jr. to an extension but he’s a strong candidate for the tag if they can’t reach a deal. He says Winfield is expected to reset the safety market whenever he signs his new deal, whether it’s with the Buccaneers or another team. 
• Fowler mentions there was some intrigue about Buccaneers CB Carlton Davis as a potential trade candidate at the Combine. 
• Aaron Wilson reports LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. formally met with the Buccaneers at the Combine.
• According to Matt Lombardo, sources around the league believe the Buccaneers will use the franchise tag on Winfield: “If I had to guess, the Buccaneers will use the tag on Antoine Winfield Jr. He’s the most important of the bunch.”

Falcons

• ESPN’s Dan Graziano writes he heard from multiple sources at the Combine that the Falcons’ top target at quarterback this offseason is Vikings QB Kirk Cousins. 
• Fowler also mentions the Falcons as one of the teams that could get involved in a trade for Bears QB Justin Fields if they miss out on Cousins. One league source noted they’ve done enough work on Cousins, Fields and Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield to feel confident they’d land one of those three. 
• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes the Falcons coaching staff has a lot of familiarity with Mayfield and a need at the position.
• According to Tony Pauline of SportsKeeda, the Bears are reportedly close to a deal that would send Fields to the Falcons. Pauline notes if the Falcons can’t finalize the deal for Fields, they will shift their focus to Mayfield.
• Pauline also mentioned the interest Atlanta has in Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed. Kansas City reportedly is using the franchise tag on Sneed, and Pauline said Atlanta would still pursue him in a tag-and-trade. 
• Although Pauline learned Sneed is dealing with a knee injury that forced him out of practices for “long stretches” last season, Pauline is told Atlanta still has an interest in going after the corner. 

Panthers

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler mentions the Panthers as a team that’s expected to be active in free agency to sign help at guard, potentially for big money. Top players at the position could include Dolphins G Robert Hunt, Patriots OL Michael Onwenu, Lions G Jonah Jackson and Rams G Kevin Dotson.
• Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer also heard a lot of chatter at the Combine connecting the Panthers to the interior offensive line. He notes swing tackle is a need, too. 
• Joe Person of The Athletic mentions the Panthers are on the lookout for guard help this offseason to bolster their interior offensive line and in turn, help keep the pocket clean for Bryce Young.
• Person notes Seahawks G Damien Lewis has ties to new HC Dave Canales while Onwenu and Hunt could fit what Carolina is looking for.
• The Panthers are reportedly hoping a run-focused offensive attack will help Ikem Ekwonu after a disappointing 2023 season.
• According to Person, Yetur Gross-Matos has drawn interest from the Panthers and other teams this offseason. Even if the Panthers bring him back, Person expects them to need another pass rusher.

Saints

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says several teams believe Saints CB Marshon Lattimore could be available in a trade this offseason.