NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• The Athletic’s Greg Auman said the Buccaneers could look to sign former Ravens S Tony Jefferson, who was just released, given his familiarity with HC Bruce Arians, GM Jason Licht and Tampa Bay’s need at safety. 
• If the Buccaneers are unable to re-sign some of their own front-seven players as planned, Auman writes they could explore adding Giants DL Leonard Williams or LB Markus Golden, both of whom have familiarity with the coaching staff. 
• Auman also mentions the possibility of Tampa Bay trading for Cardinals RB David Johnson as long as Arizona is willing to eat some of Johnson’s salary. 
• As far as mid to lower-tier free-agent options, Auman says Chiefs LB Darron Lee could be a target to reunite with DC Todd Bowles. 

Falcons

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer mentions Falcons LB De’Vondre Campbell as a player who’s set to cash in on the open market in free agency this year. 

Panthers

With the release of Greg Olsen, the next man up for the Panthers at tight end is currently slated to be former 2018 fourth-round pick Ian Thomas. Entering his third season, the 23-year-old Thomas has seen part-time action behind Olsen the past two seasons, stepping into a larger role late in 2019 when Olsen missed time with a concussion. There’s a lot of offseason left and the Panthers could make more additions. But right now, it seems like Thomas will have the first crack at replacing Olsen. 

“I think so. But, I mean, I’m not sure how everything is going to pan out,” Thomas said via the Athletic’s Joseph Person. “But, yeah, that’s what I’m hoping for. . . . I think my first couple years were solid. I’m not really a person that likes to look into the future. But I’ll do my best to make sure I’m preparing for the next upcoming season as much as I can. Hopefully, that’s a good thing and that’s a great season ahead of me. But I like to live in the now.”

Saints

• Mike Freeman of B/R writes that the team to watch to make a run at signing Saints RFA QB Taysom Hill is the Patriots.
• Freeman mentions that the Saints are in a “precarious position” given their lack of cap space and the fact that Hill, Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater are without contracts.
• Freeman wouldn’t be surprised if Bridgewater ended up with a team such as the Patriots.
• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer mentions Saints DT David Onyemata as a player who’s set to cash in on the open market in free agency this year.