Saints: B+
Key Additions: RB Travis Etienne, G David Edwards, LB Kaden Elliss, TE Noah Fant, QB Zach Wilson
Key Losses: LB Demario Davis, CB Alontae Taylor, TE Taysom Hill
Signing Etienne to be the lead/workhorse back was a big move coming off the big season he had with the Jaguars as a big piece of the offense with his pass catching ability which might lead to a trade of long-time RB Alvin Kamara. Edwards is known as a very underrated lineman from the Bills who will complete a young solid O-line as a veteran presence. Elliss has been a good LB with the ability to rush the passer and play in coverage. Fant replaces Hill as the sneaky pass catching TE.
Falcons: B
Key Additions: QB Tua Tagovailoa, TE Kyle Pitts (Franchise), WR Jahan Dotson, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, TE Austin Hooper, Edge Azeez Ojulari, S Sydney Brown (trade), RB Brian Robinson
Key Losses: QB Kirk Cousins, RB Tyler Allgeier, WR Darnell Mooney, Edge Leonard Floyd, DT David Onyemata, LB Kaden Elliss
The Falcons were able to sign Tua for cheap after a cap casualty from the Dolphins, he has proven to be a winner when healthy and protected and he’s a left-handed QB just like Michael Penix. Keeping Pitts was important after the way he ended the season. Dotson and Zaccheaus are upgrades compared to what they had last season. Hooper has been a solid #2 TE pass catching option; this is his 2nd stint with the team along with Zaccheaus. Ojulari should replace Floyd as the backup pass rusher. Robinson will help replace the loss of fan favorite #2 RB Allgeier who wanted a bigger role. Brown is a versatile addition to the secondary.
Panthers: B+
Key Additions: LB Devin Lloyd, Edge Jaelan Phillips, T Rasheed Walker, WR John Metchie III, QB Kenny Pickett, RB A.J. Dillon, LB Isaiah Simmons (re-signed)
Key Losses: C Cade Mays, RB Rico Dowdle, DT A’Shawn Robinson, QB Andy Dalton (trade)
The Panthers signing Lloyd was my #1 free agency move with his three down abilities and coverage skills he is a major upgrade. While Phillips, is a high-risk high reward option who can get after the passer, but health/injury is a concern, and he was given a huge deal. Walker was a smart pickup as a young starting LT who sat on the market giving them insurance for their injured LT. Metchie is coming off his best season and gets a chance to reunite with QB Bryce Young. Pickett was signed to be #2 QB after Dalton was traded. Simmons showed potential and was re-signed to possibly play a bigger role. Dowdle was a tough runner who will be missed; Dillon will give them a power back option.
Bucs: C+
Key Additions: RB Kenneth Gainwell, DT A’Shawn Robinson, LB Alex Anzalone, TE Cade Otton (re-signed), DE Al-Quadin Muhammad, RB Sean Tucker (re-signed), QB Jake Browning
Key Losses: WR Mike Evans, LB Lavonte David, RB Rachaad White, CB Jamel Dean, DE Logan Hall, QB Teddy Bridgewater
The Bucs added Gainwell who was a solid 1B RB with the Steelers showing good pass catching abilities to replace White. Robinson is a good run stopping D-lineman to replace Hall. Anzalone is an active physical LB who plays with a high motor/sideline to sideline. Muhammad is another former Lions player, like Anzalone, coming off a breakout pass rush season. Longtime Bucs Evans and David will be missed with David’s expected retirement, but he will be tougher to replace. Dean was a consistent CB who will be replaced by younger players. Browning takes over the #2 QB spot for Bridgewater. Otton played a starting role but was inconsistent at times, he still has potential. Tucker is a tough #3 runner who stepped up when called last season.
