NFC South Notes: Buccaneers, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

Buccaneers DC Todd Bowles explained that their decision to bring some notable defensive players this offseason was designed to get “a lot faster especially out on the perimeter and the edge.”

“We wanted more speed but it had nothing to do with the film from last year,” Bowles said, via PewterReport.com. “We just needed more speed.”

• Albert Breer expects the situation between the Buccaneers and DT Gerald McCoy to “come to a head soon.“
• Breer mentions that it would make sense for McCoy to want a decision by next Tuesday when unrestricted free agents stop counting against the comp-pick formula. 
• According to Breer, “a move away from McCoy, who’s not the player he was, still seems likely, given that the Bucs have less than $2 million in cap space and a rookie class to sign.”

Panthers

Panthers’ third-round QB Will Grier said he is prepared to “support” QB Cam Newton and be “ready to go” whenever he is needed. 

“You do what is best for the team in all aspects,” Grier said, via Steve Reed of the Associated Press. “That’s really what I am here to do is to support Cam and be there for him and push him and make him better and be there for anything he needs. But also, my job is to be ready to go when my name is called.”

• Panthers declined DT Vernon Butler’s fifth-year option. (NFLTR)

Saints

• New Orleans Saints and State of Louisianna officials said they are working toward an agreement that will keep the team in Louisiana through 2035 and include a $450 million renovation of the Superdome. (Jeff Duncan)
• Saints signed five undrafted free agents. (NFLTR)