NFC South- Free Agent Additions in 2024

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won a tight NFC South in 2023, finishing tied with the New Orleans Saints at 9-8, winning by a tie-breaker. The team with the most talent on offense looked to be the Atlanta Falcons, but they finished below .500 at a dismal 7-10 due to poor quarterback play. The Carolina Panthers continued their rebuild and only won 2 games with newcomer and former first overall pick Bryce Young under center. But to secure Young’s services, the Panthers sent this year’s first round to the Chicago Bears which became the #1 overall pick in the 2024 draft. 

Atlanta Falcons

• Signed QB- Kirk Cousins to a four-year contract.
• Signed WR- Ray Ray McCloud to a two-year contract.
• Re-signed WR- KhaDarel Hodge to a one-year contract.
• Signed WR- Darnell Mooney to a three-year contract.
• Acquired WR- Rondale Moore in a trade with Arizona for QB- Desmond Ridder.
• Signed TE- Charlie Woerner to a three-year contract.
• Signed T- Storm Newton to a one-year contract.
• Signed Edge- Kentavius Street to a one-year contract.
• Re-signed LS- Liam McCullough to a one-year contracr.

It is hard to not get excited about the Atlanta Falcons. Adding veteran signal caller Kirk Cousins in the offseason to lead a young and talented offense that includes running back Bijon Robinson, tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London seems like a path to success. The additions of wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Rondale Moore now make the cornerback and edge rusher positions their biggest positional needs in the upcoming draft. With pick # 8 overall, the Falcons could definitely benefit by moving down in the first round to add draft capital.

Carolina Panthers

• Acquired WR-Diontae Johnson and a 2024 7th round pick from Pittsburgh for a CB-Donte Jackson and a 2024 6th round pick.
• Signed WR- David Moore to a one-year contract.
• Signed T- Yosh Nijman to a two-year contract.
• Signed G- Robert Hunt to a five-year contract.
• Signed G- Damien Lewis to a four-year contract.
• Signed DT- A’Shawn Robinson to a three-year contract.
• Signed Edge- K’Lavon Chaisson to a one-year contract.
• Signed Edge- Jadeveon Clowney to a two-year contract.
• Signed Edge- D.J. Wonnum to a two-year contract.
• Signed LB- Josey Jewell to a three-year contract.
• Re-signed CB- Troy Hill to a one-year contract.
• Signed CB- Dane Jackson to a two-year contract.
• Re-signed S- Sam Franklin to a one-year contract.
• Signed S- Jordan Fuller to a one-year contract.
• Signed S- Nick Scott to a one-year contract.
• Re-signed LS- J.J.Jansen to a one-year contract.

The Carolina Panthers filled holes in free agency which they hope may lessen the sting of not having a first round draft pick. The addition of wide receiver Diontae Johnson upgrades that position and the signing of Jadeveon Clowney, D.J. Wonnum and K’Lavon Chaisson take care of their problem at the edge position. Look for Carolna to look for an offensive lineman with their 2nd round pick. 

New Orleans Saints

• Signed QB- Nathan Peterman to a one-year contract.
• Signed WR- Cedrick Wilson to a two-year contract.
• Re-signed FB- Adam Prentice to a two-year contract.
• Signed Edge- Chase Young to a one-year contract.
• Extended LB- Demario Davis to a two-year extension.
• Signed LB- Willie Gray, Jr. to a one-year contract.
• Signed S- Jonathan Abram to a one-year contract.
• Re-signed S- Tyronn Mathieu to a two-year contract.

New Orleans signed the once-heralded edge rusher Chase Young to help with their ailing pass rush from 2023. However, the Saints have even more question marks at the offensive line position. Ryan Ramczyk has not recovered as well as hoped for from an off-season knee surgery, putting his entire season in doubt. New Orleans should be aggressive targeting this rich class of offensive lineman throughout the draft. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Re-signed QB-Baker Mayfield to a three-year contract.
• Re-signed QB- John Wolford to a one-year contract.
• Re-signed RB- Chase Edmonds to a one-year contract.
• Re-signed WR- Mike Evans to a two-year contract.
• Re-signed OL- Justin Skule to a one-year contract.
• Signed G- Ben Bredeson to a one-year contract.
• Signed G- Sua Opeta to a one-year contract.
• Re-signed DL- Greg Gaines to a one-year contract.
• Re-signed LB- Lavonte David to a one-year contract.
• Signed CB- Bryce Hall to a one-year contract.
• Signed CB- Tavierre Thomas to a one year contract.
• Signed S- Jordan Whitehead to a two-year contract.
• S-Antoine Winfield Jr. received the non-exclusive franchise tag.
• Re-signed K- Chase McLaughlin to a three-year contract.
• Re-signed LS- Zach Triner to a one-year contract.

The Buccaneers locked down two returning starters (and stars) for them by re-signing veterans Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans. On defense they also re-signed longtime defensive leader Lavonte David and signed safety Jordan Whitehead to play next to Antoine Winfield. Tampa Bay will likely target a pass rusher and some help in the interior of their offensive line during the 2024 draft.