NFC South Notes: Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Falcons

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said the team continues to negotiate with WR Julio Jones‘ agent. 

“We have the utmost faith that Julio is coming here and he’s taking care of his business while he’s here, and we’ll keep plugging away with [Jones’ agent] Jimmy [Sexton],” Dimitroff said, via Vaughn McClure of ESPN. “We have a very good working relationship and respect for Jimmy Sexton and CAA, and I’m confident [the deal] will get done.”

Dimitroff explained that he understands if Jones wants to wait for Saints WR Michael Thomas to get his deal done before moving on with negotiations. 

“I understand that, from a business standpoint,” Dimitroff said. “Do I agree with it necessarily? That’s not for me to argue about.”

Dimitroff added that they also understand if Jones feels he’s deserving of becoming the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. 

“We understand being the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. And the fact that Julio is approaching it the way he is is appreciated. That said, we expect nothing less from Julio Jones, one of our main leaders on this team.”

• Falcons HC Dan Quinn says WR Julio Jones is about 10-14 days from being able to fully participate in practice, per D. Orlando Ledbetter.

Panthers

• Per the Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue, Panthers TE Greg Olsen says he’ll be 100 percent for training camp: “I’ve been 100% for months now.”
• According to Adam Schefter, Panthers C Matt Paradis will not start training camp on the PUP list. 
• Panthers HC Ron Rivera says QB Cam Newton is “ready to roll” but the team will still monitor his reps and have him on an installation plan to start camp. (Rodrigue)
• Panthers DT Gerald McCoy received a $500,000 roster bonus for reporting to training camp Wednesday. (Field Yates)

Saints

• ESPN’s Jeff Duncan gives RB Dwayne Washington the edge for the final running back slot on the roster ahead of free-agent signing Javorius Allen and UDFA Devine Ozigbo.
• According to Duncan, second-year OL Will Clapp could be edged off the roster after the Saints added more interior offensive line help this offseason. 
• Duncan thinks the Saints could cut former starting CB Ken Crawley because of the depth in the secondary.
• Duncan doesn’t believe former Packers DL Mike Daniels will be seen as an option by the Saints. 
• In Duncan’s opinion, Saints QB Taysom Hill has a better chance of being a long-term successor to Drew Brees than QB Teddy Bridgewater. 
• Duncan adds he doubts Bridgewater signed in New Orleans with any kind of assurance this would be Brees’ last season, as the team doesn’t even know if that will be the case. 
• Duncan lists WR Cameron Meredith, CB/returner Marcus Sherels, WR Austin Carr and CB P.J. Williams as potential “surprise” cuts.
• Aaron Wilson reports that the Saints brought in S Jordan Moore for a workout.