2023 Free Agency Preview: NFC South

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Today marks one week until the official start of the 2023 NFL league year. Free agency brings fresh opportunities for teams to find their next building blocks with roster construction. The NFC South is suddenly wide open entering the 2023 season. Derek Carr is now the New Orleans Saints quarterback. What other major shakeups will take place this offseason? Let’s preview the upcoming free agency period for the NFC South division.

What are the top positions of need for all of the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Plus, who could be some possible outside additions at those positions of need? Let’s kick it off.

Atlanta Falcons

Team Needs: Interior Offensive Line, Interior Defensive Line

The Atlanta Falcons still have a handful of holes to address this offseason. In general, they could use plenty of instilled depth in the trenches. The interior offensive line is filled with replacement-level players. The guard spots are also worthy of being replenished. That is especially true, when you consider how head coach Arthur Smith relies on the run game.

On the defensive line, defensive tackle could stand to add more talent as well. The Falcons simply need to find a way to create more resistance upfront. Grady Jarrett is a stud defender. Though, he needs more help in Atlanta.

Possible Fits: Dan Feeney, Chris Wormley

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Dan Feeney is a veteran who has been around the block. In his career, he has been able to offer a bit of versatility to the teams that he has played for. His ability to run block is possibly his strongest attribute. As a result, Atlanta would be a nice scheme fit for Feeney.

Chris Wormley has quietly been a steady depth piece for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Overall, Wormley is a depth defender that can ignite length, power and a bit of nastiness into a defensive front. He can move around the defensive line and play different shades. For someone who has continued to improve, Atlanta could unlock even more production from Wormley.

Carolina Panthers

Team Needs: Interior Defensive Line, Linebacker

The Carolina Panthers were very close to winning the disappointing NFC South last year. Now entering free agency in 2023, this team embodies some of the best young talent in the NFC South division. The quarterback position will likely be addressed soon, and rightfully so. But for Carolina, we are going to focus on two other areas of need.

The team needs to give Derrick Brown more running mates on the interior defensive line. Meanwhile, the linebacker spot lacks star power. Shaq Thompson can still be a dependable piece. However, his long-term future and success could be in question as he grows older.

Possible Fits: David Onyemata, Kyle Van Noy

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David Onyemata could be a worthwhile addition coming over from the division-rival New Orleans Saints. In general, Onyemata has been consistent with his production over the last six years. He can offer many reliable qualities as a veteran. This includes sharp instincts, excellent power and sneaky good first-step quickness.

Another reliable veteran is linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Van Noy can diagnose and read plays as quick as any linebacker. He can cover both over the middle and in the flats. To boot, Van Noy still has adequate range to defend the run. There appears to be something left in the tank for the former Lion, Patriot, Dolphin and Charger.

New Orleans Saints

Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Interior Defensive Line

First and foremost, the Saints have their new quarterback set in stone. Now, it is about surrounding him with the best talent that they possibly can. New Orleans is always forced to do salary cap gymnastics. That leads to questions surrounding the future of Michael Thomas at wide receiver.

On the other hand, the Saints have numerous interior defensive linemen who are pending free agents this offseason. It will not be easy or likely to bring all of those guys back. Head coach Dennis Allen will want his defensive line to be as deep as possible, obviously.

Possible Fits: Darius Slayton, Greg Gaines

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Darius Slayton may have been up and down with his production with the New York Giants. Despite that, he could potentially be a fine complementary piece to the younger Chris Olave. Slayton can win vertically, offers necessary speed and can win in contested catch situations. Possibly, some consistent results could materialize for him in New Orleans with the newly signed Derek Carr.

Similar to the aforementioned Wormley, Greg Gaines has built himself into a fine depth piece. Within the last two years, he became a starter for the Los Angeles Rams. In the last two years combined, Gaines has registered 91 tackles, 19 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. That would be fine production to add for the Saints.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Team Needs: Quarterback, EDGE Defender

Tom Brady has retired. And as things currently stand, it does not feel like Tampa Bay has the resources to trade up to get a rookie quarterback in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Buccaneers are also dealing with drastic salary cap limitations. Simply put, they could be forced to add a reclamation project for quarterback, if Kyle Trask does not get the keys.

On the flip side, the pass rush took a major step back in 2022. The lack of pressure in key moments and inability to create turnovers crushed the Buccaneers and their chances. More bodies will be needed at the EDGE defender spot entering 2023.

Possible Fits: Gardner Minshew, Samson Ebukam

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Some people have floated the idea of Tampa Bay adding Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold. In 2022, those two had a few bright spots. Yet, Gardner Minshew could be just as good, if not a better option, as a stopgap for Tampa Bay during this current transition. We know that he can make throws all over the field. Can Minshew continue to grow as a decision maker?

Samson Ebukam has been a solid piece behind tremendous pass rushers with San Francisco and the Rams. Interestingly, Ebukam has at least 4.5 sacks in four straight seasons. He offers length, speed and a bit of untapped potential. With increased playing time, Ebukam could shine in Tampa Bay.

Be on the lookout for more FPC NFL articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.