NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers

Buccaneers

• According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, teams around the NFL are waiting for the Buccaneers to decide on DT Gerald McCoy‘s future. 
• Breer says that McCoy is “basically untradeable” given McCoy is set to make $13 million, $12.5 million, and $12.9 million over the next three years. 
• Breer writes that “chances are, McCoy isn’t a Buc this year”, considering they only have $2 million in available cap space and still need to sign their entire draft class. 
• Greg Auman of the Athletic writes that because Buccaneers DE Jason Pierre-Paul suffered a non-football injury, Tampa Bay would not be on the hook for his salary if he was released. 
• Auman writes that $7.5 million of Pierre-Paul’s salary was guaranteed in March, but it’s possible a non-football injury would void that. 
• Auman says this could affect McCoy’s situation, which was in doubt given his cap hit and the Bucs’ need to create around $9 million in cap space to sign their rookie class.  
• Auman mentions the Buccaneers could also try to sign a free-agent pass rusher like DE Ezekiel Ansah or LB Shane Ray.
• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says Pierre-Paul is seeking a second opinion and should know more in the coming days. 
• Rapoport mentions no one he’s talked to has ruled out Pierre-Paul playing this season, and he could be back in October or November. 
• If Tampa Bay places Pierre-Paul on the NFI, Rapoport says they’ll have the choice to pay all, part or none of his salary. 

Falcons

• Michael Lombardi said on his podcats (per Evan Silva) Falcons WR Mohamed Sanu was subject of some trade discussions earlier this offseason.
• According to Lombardi, the Falcons wanted a third-round pick for Sanu, which means it’s unlikely a trade will happen.

Panthers

• According to Albert Breer, Panthers QB Cam Newton (shoulder) is “very close” to being cleared to throw, but there is still “no reason” for the team to rush him at this point.