NFC South Rumors: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, Saints

Buccaneers

• Dan Graziano reports that the Buccaneers want to take a shot at signing either Tom Brady or Philip Rivers and might have other options it prefers to quarterback Jameis Winston.
• Even so, sources have told Graziano that Winston remains a possibility for the Bucs, but only if other plans fall through.
• A report earlier said that it’s likely down to the Patriots or Buccaneers for Brady. (NFLTR)

Falcons

• According to NJ.com’s Mike Kaye, Eagles DE Vinny Curry makes a lot of sense as a free-agent target for the Falcons who are desperate for pass-rushing help and don’t have the money to target a lot of the top options.

Panthers

• If Cam Newton‘s foot checks out this spring, Dan Graziano says that he remains a potential trade candidate and teams are currently monitoring what Carolina is doing with him.
• According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, the Panthers aren’t expected to be major players in free agency and will instead place more of an emphasis on building through the draft. 
• The Athletic’s Joseph Person says behind the scenes the Panthers have indicated the person they hire as an assistant general manager, which seems like it will happen after the draft, will be the eventual successor to GM Marty Hurney. 
• Person points out that Hurney’s contract runs through the 2020 season. 
• The Panthers will pick between kickers Graham Gano and Joey Slye once they see how Gano has recovered from the leg injury that shuttered his 2019 season. Person notes releasing Gano will incur a $3 million dead cap hit while freeing $1.3 million in cap space. 

Saints

• Dan Graziano notes that if the Saints don’t re-sign QB Drew Brees before 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, an additional $5.4 million charge accelerates onto their 2020 salary cap.
• With this in mind, Graziano expects New Orleans to have a deal in place with Brees before Wednesday.