NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Falcons, Saints

Buccaneers

• Jenna Laine of ESPN believes the best thing the Buccaneers could do with DT Gerald McCoy is to trade him while he still has value and could possibly net them fourth- or fifth-round pick.
• However, Laine points out that a strong free-agent field at defensive tackle could make it difficult to trade McCoy, which could include players like Grady Jarrett, Ndamukong Suh, Sheldon Richardson, and Muhammad Wilkerson.
• If the Buccaneers are unable to find a trade partner, Laine believes Tampa Bay would cut McCoy since it would free up $13 million for 2019, $12.5 million in 2020, and another $12.93 million in 2021.
• In the end, Laine believes the Buccaneers could approach McCoy about a pay cut and sign a deal around $10 million annually, including incentives that would push his salary to $13 million. 

Falcons

Falcons HC Dan Quinn admitted that the major changes to the team’s coaching staff were difficult, but still needed to be made. 

“I love football,” Quinn said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “My whole life’s work is there, but as much as I love football, I love the players and the coaches even more.

“So, it’s those relationships when you have to move on from people that you love and care about, it’s hard. But you do what’s best for the team. I thought for us making changes was what was best for the team. I certainly appreciated every coach that’s been here and had a chance to work with. Past that, you get a real appreciation in this moment to reset and say what does this team need right now.”

Saints

• Although Mike Triplett of ESPN writes there is mutual interest between the Saints and free-agent RB Mark Ingram, Triplett believes Ingram would sign with another team if they offer him a “bigger role” and a contract of over $5 million annually, given that New Orleans only has $10 million in cap space. 
• Triplett points out that Spotrac.com projects Ingram’s market value as $4.4 million, which would be a “fair price” for the Saints. However, his value could “easily” jump above $5 million should a bidding war occur this offseason. 
• Triplett also writes that the Saints’ top priority this offseason should be to find another “pass-catcher.”
• Should the Saints move on from Ingram, Triplett suggests Rams RB C.J. Anderson, Eagles RB Jay Ajayi, and Saints’ backup RB Dwayne Washington as options to inherit Ingram’s role. 
• As for teams that could be interested in Ingram, Triplett lists the Ravens, Buccaneers, Raiders, Jets, Eagles, and Dolphins. The Texans could also gain interest if they release Lamar Miller, the same goes for the 49ers and Jerick McKinnon.