The 2024-2025 NFL season is about to ramp up and teams will be reporting to training camp in the coming weeks. But before we see all 32 teams get back on the gridiron. Check out my last article where I previewed the NFC East (NFL Division Preview: NFC East). The next preview will be on the NFC South. The teams in the NFC South consist of the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Atlanta Falcons.
The Buccaneers opted for a conservative offseason approach, focusing on retaining their key players who delivered unexpected success in 2023, largely due to Mayfield’s comeback. After securing Evans, Mayfield, and using the franchise tag on safety Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay is poised to compete for the NFC South championship again. Following their contributions to the team’s advancement to the divisional round, Evans and Mayfield received long-term contract extensions. While not boasting the most glamorous roster, the Buccaneers possess talent across the board and continue to enhance their offensive and defensive lines. The offensive line Tampa Bay has constructed for Mayfield over the past two seasons might even make Tom Brady envious. The team selected Graham Barton, potentially the top center in the draft, to join a unit that showed improvement last season after struggling to protect Brady in 2022. However, the Buccaneers took a gamble by offering Mayfield a three-year extension worth up to $115 million based on just one impressive season in Tampa Bay. The former Cleveland Browns first overall pick will also face the challenge of playing without Dave Canales, the offensive coordinator who became the Panthers’ head coach in the offseason. Nevertheless, the Buccaneers made numerous shrewd moves to ensure Mayfield’s 2023 performance wasn’t an anomaly.
The Atlanta Falcons swiftly transitioned from being considered NFC South frontrunners with Cousins to a team facing quarterback uncertainties following their first-round choice of Penix. This decision not only created an uncomfortable situation but also failed to enhance the 2024 team by using their No. 8 selection on a player who might remain sidelined for several seasons. Had the Falcons opted for the most talented player available, they might have received an A grade for their offseason moves and maintained their status as NFC South favorites beyond a single month. Nevertheless, the Falcons could still emerge as the division’s top team if Cousins fully recovers from the Achilles injury he suffered last season while playing for the Minnesota Vikings. Cousins will collaborate with head coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, both former Los Angeles Rams assistants who achieved considerable success under Sean McVay’s leadership. Given the Falcons’ skilled offensive players, it’s possible that Cousins and the new coaching staff were the final elements needed for Atlanta to secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2017. However, they might have been regarded as potential Super Bowl contenders had they drafted one of the premier edge rushers instead of Penix. There’s a chance Penix could start a game or two in 2024, potentially impressing and silencing critics.
New Orleans managed to blend experienced players with promising rookies while bidding farewell to important team members. The Saints have distanced themselves from the era of Drew Brees and Sean Payton, yet they opted against a complete overhaul in the last three years and failed to make the playoffs each season during that time. After saying goodbye to Michael Thomas, Marcus Maye, and Andrus Peat, the organization seems to have found its footing. The recent transactions created room for financial maneuverability for the Saints, a luxury they have lacked in past seasons. The 2024 Saints are expected to maintain a familiar appearance from the previous season as they enter Carr’s second year as the starting quarterback. In his debut season in New Orleans, Carr’s performance was a combination of successes and setbacks, but he showed improvement towards the end, and his prospects look brighter with Fuaga joining the team to provide solid protection. The Saints could be taking a risk by depending on Trevor Penning and Ryan Ramczyk once more as the main tackles. Penning’s performance has been less than stellar since he was selected in the first round in 2022, while Ramczyk has been hampered by injuries. Should Carr be given the chance, he will use Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed to target defenses vertically. The team decided to gamble on Chase Young for their defense, despite his struggles in the 2023 season following a trade from the Commanders to the 49ers. However, the decision might prove beneficial, as Cameron Jordan, an experienced defensive end, requires assistance. New Orleans might possess a key player in cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, who was drafted in the second round.
Let’s address the negatives first, as there have been several encouraging developments for the NFL’s worst team last year. The Panthers’ rebuilding efforts faced a setback when they decided to trade Brian Burns to the New York Giants for two draft picks, neither of which were first-round selections. It’s well known that the Panthers had the chance to trade Burns in 2022 for several first-round picks, making their decision to let him go surprising, especially as they look to strengthen their defense alongside star defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who secured a significant contract extension this offseason. The Panthers also invested in the offense to support Young, the 2023 No. 1 draft pick, following a challenging rookie season. Arguably, the most crucial offseason move was hiring Canales, an offensive strategist known for revitalizing the careers of Mayfield and Geno Smith. The team enhanced their offense by adding new talent and protection for Young, including the notable signing of guard Robert Hunt, who received a hefty five-year, $100 million deal. Veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen will also have less pressure this season, thanks to the trade for Diontae Johnson and the first-round pick of Xavier Legette. Additionally, the Panthers bolstered their struggling running game by selecting running back Jonathon Brooks in the second round. Offensively, the Panthers may have made enough changes to see improvements from Young in his second year. However, the defense could struggle to compensate for Burns’ absence. Veteran additions Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum will need to rise to the occasion to support Brown and the overall defense.
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