This division downright sucked in 2022. While somebody had to win the division, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did so with a losing record in Tom Brady’s final season. While Tampa has a ton of questions to answer, so does every other team in this division. The Panthers have a whole new regime running the ship and have massive holes to fill. The Saints underperformed in year one under new coach Dennis Allen and a quarterback seems to be at the top of their wish list despite having no salary cap space to pursue one. And how about the Falcons, who didn’t seem to survive the Marcus Mariota experiment and still don’t seem to be happy with their offense. Here are the 2023 NFC South team needs.
Atlanta Falcons
Team Needs: WR, CB, EDGE, QB?
The Falcons are apparently riding with Desmond Ridder under center which is wise given the QB market. Figuring out a true number two wide receiver alongside Drake London is also important. There are some rumors floating around that the Falcons could put together a trade package for Lamar Jackson if the Ravens can’t work out a deal with their franchise quarterback. It would cost an arm and a leg. After that, this team must improve on defense with a real pass-rush and a great cornerback to go alongside A.J. Terrell.
Carolina Panthers
Team Needs: QB, TE, DL
It’s a new era in Carolina and it’s going to need to come with some major changes. There is no clear-cut QB on this roster and while there are a few good offensive pieces, they’ll need to upgrade in certain positions which Frank Reich will likely be eager to do. After dumping Christian McCaffrey for a bunch of picks, the Panthers aren’t in a bad spot to compete quickly and may be in the best position out of any team in the division at this point.
New Orleans Saints
Team Needs: QB, RB, DL
Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston were the Saints starters at QB last year. I’d assume Winston gets dumped this year and hurries off to another quarterback hungry team. The Saints have huge salary cap issues and an aging roster that must be addressed with a bulldozer this offseason if they want to compete. Derek Carr seems interested in the Saints, but I am just not sure where the money comes from. This is a head-scratcher that I am glad I am not a part of.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Team Needs: QB, OL, CB
The Bucs might have the most glaring need in the NFL with Tom Brady retiring. The question becomes, who replaces him, and can they win with that QB? This is the oldest team in the league and despite claiming they won’t rebuild, that does seem like the most logical choice at this point. Tampa has a ton of cap space they must shed and there is a possibility they will lose franchise cornerstone LB Lavonte David to free agency. They also may trade receivers Chris Godwin and/or Mike Evans. This could be a brutal year for Todd Bowles and company.