NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Saints

Buccaneers

Tom Brady made it official on Friday, signing his name on a contract that will seal him to the Buccaneers for the next two seasons. With Brady’s arrival come instant Super Bowl expectations in Tampa Bay, and not just from fans. Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians was clear about why they signed Brady. 

“Tom is the most successful quarterback in the history of our league, but what makes him so special is his ability to make those around him better,” said Arians in a statement after Brady’s signing became official. “I have had the privilege to work with some of the best passers in our game, and the characteristics they all possessed were the ability to lead and get the best out of their teammates. Tom is no different. He is a proven winner who will provide the leadership, accountability and work ethic necessary to lead us to our goal of winning another championship.”

Falcons

• A rumor surfaced Thursday that the Eagles and Falcons are discussing a trade that would send WR Julio Jones to Philadelphia.
• However, a league source with knowledge of the situation tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that it’s “absolutely not” happening.
• Florio mentions that Jones’ contract would result in a cap hit of $31 million for the Falcons if they were to trade him. Florio adds that if the Falcons were actually looking to trade Jones, they probably would have done so before signing him to his record contract last year.

Saints

• According to Nick Underhill, the Saints had an offer out to free-agent S Vonn Bell, but New Orleans elected to move on and sign Malcolm Jenkins after he became available.
• Underhill adds that he would be “shocked” if the Saints re-signed Bell at this point.
• Saints G Andrus Peat said he received interest from other teams, — the Chiefs are one that has been reported — but he always wanted to stay in New Orleans: “There was some interest from other teams, but I always wanted to reach an agreement with the Saints. I want to play my whole career with the Saint.” (Katherine Terrell)