NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

March 2, 2018

The Buccaneers are among the teams that have met with Penn State RB Saquon Barkley. (Rick Stroud)

Vaughn McClure of ESPN writes that it would not be surprising to see the Falcons show some interest in a potential trade for DE Michael Bennett.
Bennett has an obvious tie to the Falcons with former Seahawks DC Dan Quinn now the team’s head coach while Falcons DC Marquand Manuel was a defensive assistant in Seattle.
They could also use some defensive line depth and Bennett can provide pass rush help and some versatility up front.
McClure mentions that the Seahawks could use a running back, but Atlanta has no intention of trading backup Tevin Coleman.

Joe Person reports that the Panthers not interested in trading for Dolphins franchise WR Jarvis Landry and are instead looking for receivers with more top-end speed.
SMU WR Courtland Sutton will meet with the Panthers at the Combine. (Jourdan Rodrigue)

Adam Schefter reports that the Saints and Drew Brees’ agent, Tom Condon, met Thursday night to open talks regarding a contract extension.
Saints HC Sean Payton said Thursday that he expects a deal to get done “sooner rather than later.”
Saints GM Mickey Loomis declined to discuss details from last night’s meeting with Brees’ agent, but said: “I think the important thing is Drew wants to be a New Orleans Saint and we want him to be a New Orleans Saint, so he’s going to be a New Orlean Saint.” (Herbie Teope)
Loomis mentioned that the Nick Fairley grievance is still unresolved. When asked him if it would be beneficial to have it resolved before March 14, Loomis said: “Depends on which way it goes.” (Mickey Loomis)
According to Kristian Garic, Saints OT Zach Strief said he has not decided on possibly retiring from the NFL and hopes to come to a decision by next week after speaking with HC Sean Payton. A recent report said that Strief was likely to retire this offseason. (NFLTR)
Oklahoma TE Mark Andrews is scheduled to have a formal interview Friday night with the Saints. (Herbie Teope)
South Dakota TE Dallas Goedert said he had nine formal interviews at the Combine so far, which includes a meeting with the Saints. (Herbie Teope)