NFC South Free Agency Grades
With most of the big names off the market, free agency is fading as the Draft draws nearer. We’ve already covered each team’s five biggest free agency moves, but now it’s time to grade their efforts. Who filled their needs? Who got the best value and who overpaid? Here are the free agency grades for the NFC South:
The NFC South could be one of the most competitive divisions in the league this season. Atlanta have arguably the most complete roster in the league. Carolina will be looking to bounce back from a Super Bowl slump. New Orleans will spring some surprises but need to upgrade their defense, while Tampa Bay narrowly missed the playoffs last season due to a tiebreaker with Detroit.
Atlanta Falcons — B
Key additions: DT Dontari Poe, DE Jack Crawford, WR Andre Roberts
Key departures: LB Paul Worrilow, G Chris Chester, FB Patrick DiMarco
All eyes will be on Atlanta to see if the Falcons can avoid a Super Bowl slump, unlike divisional rivals Carolina. The Falcons have a deep, talented roster that should only get better through the draft. Dontari Poe gives them a new anchor for the defensive line if head coach Dan Quinn can make Poe a consistent contributor, while Jack Crawford deepens a pass rush rotation that should add premier talent in the Draft alongside reigning sack leader Vic Beasley. Extending cornerback Desmond Trufant, who should be healthy again this season, was a must-do move.
Carolina Panthers — D
Key additions: DE Julius Peppers, LT Matt Kalil, CB Captain Munnerlyn
Key departures: WR Ted Ginn Jr., DE Kony Ealy, OT Mike Remmers
While Carolina sees key contributors Kawann Short and Mario Addison return, general manager Dave Gettleman also made some questionable Ryan Grigson-esque signings. Ageing veterans like Julius Peppers, Mike Adams, and receiver Charles Johnson are not what the Panthers need to emerge from their Super Bowl slump. And paying top dollar for the fragile and inconsistent Matt Kalil has failure written all over it. Trading promising young defensive end Kony Ealy away was also an odd move, as was letting deep threat Ted Ginn Jr. walk.
New Orleans Saints — C
Key additions: G Larry Warford, WR Ted Ginn Jr., LB Manti Te’o
Key departures: WR Brandin Cooks, LB A.J. Klein, LB James Laurinaitis
The Saints desperately needed to rebuild their defense. Trading Cooks for a first rounder was a good move, but New Orleans failed to find any solid players on the open market. While re-signing defensive tackle Nick Fairley was a decent move, he is an injury risk. Linebacker A.J. Klein is a rotational player at best, while Manti Te’o isn’t someone who can have the impact that the Saints need, especially after James Laurinaitis’ retirement. Spending out for Ted Ginn Jr., despite a modest contract, wastes money that could’ve been used to lure a defensive difference-maker. While they still might acquire Malcolm Butler from the Patriots, New Orleans still has a lot of work to do.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — A
Key additions: WR DeSean Jackson, DT Chris Baker, S J.J Wilcox
Key departures: WR Vincent Jackson, CB Alterraun Verner, S Bradley McDougald
The Buccaneers finally added a new dimension to their offense by signing deep-threat DeSean Jackson, who can help both quarterback James Winston and wide receiver Mike Evans. With a top running back and tight end potentially in play as draft picks, that is a solid offensive core. Chris Baker, Washington’s best defensive lineman last season, is added to a dangerous front seven that also sees defensive end William Gholston return. J.J. Wilcox is an upgrade over Bradley McDougald at safety, and the Buccaneers can easily find a young corner to pair with last year’s first rounder Vernon Hargreaves.
