NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• If the Buccaneers are looking to create some cap space, Greg Auman notes that Tampa Bay could consider converting G Ali Marpet‘s $7.5 million roster bonus into a signing bonus to free up $6 million in cap space.  

Panthers

• TMZ reports that Panthers G Taylor Hearn was involved in a physical altercation outside of a bar on Thursday night. 
• The Panthers issued a statement saying they are aware of Hearn’s situation: ‘’We are aware of the video, and have been in contact with Taylor and the league about the incident. We will have no further comment at this time.” (David Newton)

Saints

• Mike Triplett notes that the Saints will save $6.95 million of cap space following C Max Unger‘s surprising retirement. The downside is that he’ll count $1.75 million against their cap in terms of dead money.
• The Saints will place Unger on the reserve/retired list, which ensure they hold his rights should he unretire at some point.
• Nick Underhill mentions that someone like free agent OL Nick Easton could make sense for the Saints with Unger no longer on their roster.
• Should they look to the free agent market, the best available options for New Orleans include Easton, Travis Swanson, John Sullivan, Brett Jones, John Greco, and Ryan Groy among others.