Bucs – B-
Main Additions: Edge Hasson Reddick, CB Kindle Vildor
Main Re-Signings: WR Chris Godwin, LB Lavonte David, G Ben Bredeson, QB Kyle Trask
Main Losses: Edge Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, LB K.J. Britt
The Bucs biggest move was keeping Chris Godwin who was the #1 free agent WR despite coming off an injury, but the Bucs wasted no time getting him back. Similar situation with David another long-time Bucs player who many thought may be out the door was also retained. Bredeson is a good run blocking LG staying at his position. Trask has been around for a while and seems to be trusted as the #2 behind Baker Mayfield. Picking up Reddick was a smart move at a position of need and clear upgrade replacing Tryon-Shoyinka and Britt. Vildor is a lanky veteran who can play so he will provide depth but should see time.
Falcons – D-
Main Additions: LB Divine Diablo, Edge Leonard Floyd
Main Re-signings: CB Mike Hughes
Main Losses: C Drew Dalman, DT Grady Jarrett (cut), DT Eddie Goldman
The Falcons main signing was Leonard Floyd giving them a solid pass rush piece. They also signed Diablo and re-signed other depth pieces mostly along the O-line. Bringing back veteran Mike Hughes was a big move as he is a solid nickel CB who can also slide outside when needed. Big losses with Dalman who is considered one of the top young Centers in the league. Long time veteran and fan favorite Jarrett was released, both players the Bears quickly paid. Goldman played often in a return to the NFL, but wasn’t resigned, so they may need to add DT depth.
Saints – C+
Main Additions: DT Davon Godchaux (trade), S Justin Reid, WR Brandin Cooks, CB Isaac Yiadom
Main Re-Signings: Edge Chase Young, TE Juwan Johnson
Main Losses: RB Jamaal Williams, CB Paulson Adebo, WR Marques Valdes-Scantling, S Will Harris
The Saints traded for Godchaux to start free agency when the Patriots put him on the trade block because he didn’t fit the system, he is more of a pass rush DT. Reid is a solid veteran playmaker and an upgrade over Harris. The late signing of Cooks was a smart move as a veteran slot WR who knows the system and can play outside replacing Valdes-Scantling who filled in nicely due to injuries. Yiadom is a lanky CB who plays a physical style replacing Adebo who plays a similar way, but at a higher level. With limited pass rush on the market, it was smart to bring back Young, but I believe it was an overpay. Johnson is a good pass catching TE who should continue to get better. Williams was underutilized last season despite injuries, so he has been replaced.
Panthers – B+
Main Additions: DT Tershawn Wharton, S Tre’Von Moehrig, Edge Patrick Jones II, DT Bobby Brown III, RB Rico Dowdle
Main Re-Signings: CB Michael Jackson, TE Tommy Tremble, QB Andy Dalton, C Austin Corbett
Main Losses: RB Miles Sanders, S Xavier Woods
The Panthers signed mostly defense after getting carved last season and suffering injuries. They signed Tershawn Wharton a young pass rush DT who can also play DE coming off a solid contract year in KC with his best football ahead. They signed another young upcoming player in Moehrig who’s best football should still be ahead giving him a big deal to leave the Raiders replacing Woods. Jones is another young player coming off a 7-sack season with Minnesota as a situational pass rusher and should receive an expanded role. Brown is a young run stopper/NT who can take on double teams. Dowdle was a starter last year with the Cowboys but should be the #2/1B back which is a way better role for him replacing Sanders as a dual threat. Re-signing Jackson was a solid move locking down their starting CBs after the big extension for Jaycee Horn. Tremble was the starter before injury and will look to regain his spot and improve. Dalton has been a solid mentor and #2 QB so smart move to bring him back. Corbett is a solid interior lineman who can play both Guard and Center at a high level.
