NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Saints

Buccaneers

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Buccaneers are leaning toward using the franchise tag on LB Shaq Barrett, not QB Jameis Winston, right now. 
• Fowler adds Winston was expecting to get the franchise tag but also feels good about his chances of getting a good deal on the open market if he reaches it. 
• Fowler mentions the Chargers and Titans as potentially two options for Winston if he ends up playing elsewhere in 2020. However, his best team fit is still with the Buccaneers if they can’t find a better option after exploring the market. 

Falcons

• The Falcons met with Miami (Ohio) DL James Costin at his pro day. (Tony Pauline)

Saints

• ESPN’s Mike Triplett writes there’s a chance the Saints could bring back G Andrus Peat if his market is too tepid once he hits free agency in a couple of weeks. 
• According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, the Broncos, Giants, Raiders and Saints are expected to be in linebacker market this offseason.
• The Athletic’s Katherine Terrell writes she would be surprised if the Saints trade back in the draft. She would not be shocked if they moved up. 
• Terrell mentions Saints OT Ryan Ramczyk and CB Marshon Lattimore as extension priorities, with RB Alvin Kamara a little shakier as a long-term bet. 
• Terrell adds a second-tier cornerback, someone like Bengals CB Darqueze Dennard, will be on the Saints’ free agency shopping list this year.