We keep the divisional series moving along and now turn to the NFC South, a division widely viewed as the weakest in the NFL right now. If it is going to improve, these teams will need to find value and hit on key roster moves this offseason.
The Panthers may have won the division last year, but they still need major help in the passing game on both sides of the ball. Tampa Bay’s late season slide exposed defensive issues and a lack of offensive depth that must be fixed. In the back half of the division, Atlanta and New Orleans both face significant depth concerns that need to be addressed if they hope to win competitive games in 2026.
Here is where each NFC South team should focus heading into the 2026 offseason.
Carolina Panthers
Tight End: The Panthers have been relying on Tommy Tremble as their primary tight end, and there is a clear need for a more consistent, chain moving option in the middle of the field. Carolina could look to address the position in the draft, with Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq as a potential target.
Center: There are already reports that last year’s starter, Cade Mays, could leave in free agency, so replacing him becomes a priority. Bryce Young has struggled at times with pre-snap adjustments, so adding a veteran center who can handle line calls would make a significant impact.
Safety: Nick Scott was a below-average starter and is unlikely to return in that role. The defense had issues covering the deep middle, and adding a reliable presence on the back end would help stabilize the secondary.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Linebacker/EDGE: Lavonte David is technically a free agent, but it would be surprising if Tampa Bay didn’t bring the franchise stalwart back to finish his career where it started, unless he chooses to retire. Haason Reddick also hitting the market leaves a giant hole in the pass rush that will need to be addressed.
Running Back: Rachaad White appears to be on his way out based on his recent social media activity, and the Buccaneers’ backfield has dealt with recurring injury issues. Adding another capable option to maintain a committee approach would be a smart move.
Cornerback: Starter Jamel Dean is set to hit the market, and there is limited proven talent behind him on the depth chart. This could be a position Tampa Bay targets in the draft, especially if prospects like Mansoor Delane or Jermod McCoy slide.
Atlanta Falcons
EDGE: Leonard Floyd is set to hit free agency, and James Pearce Jr. may be facing a lengthy legal process following serious charges. The Falcons generated a surprisingly effective pass rush last season, but they are already in a position where they need to retool if they want to take a step forward under new HC Kevin Stefanski.
Wide Receiver: Drake London has outperformed expectations, but behind him there are more questions than answers. Darnell Mooney is the only other proven option, and durability has been a recurring issue throughout his career. Adding a reliable WR2 would elevate this offense quickly.
Cornerback: Much like the receiver room, Atlanta’s cornerback group leans heavily on one player in A.J. Terrell. Mike Hughes and C.J. Henderson are simply not strong enough options for a CB2 role, and the Falcons will need to upgrade the position if they want a more effective pass defense in 2026.
New Orleans Saints
Wide Receiver: Chris Olave has been solid, but not quite the game changer the Saints hoped he would become. There is little proven depth behind him, and with Tyler Shough entering his second year, New Orleans needs to add more playmaking talent to support his development.
Linebacker: Demario Davis has been the backbone of the Saints’ linebacker group for several seasons, but at nearly 38 he is a realistic retirement candidate. Even if he keeps playing, he could look to join a playoff contender to close out his career, leaving New Orleans in need of a long-term solution at the position.
Defensive Line: Bryan Bresee is a solid piece, but Cam Jordan has been a poor fit as a 3-4 end and may not be brought back. Beyond those two, there is limited proven NFL talent up front, and the Saints will likely need to retool the defensive line to better fit their scheme.
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