The NFC South got a big jolt as six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady has joined the fray. After signing two-year, $50 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team is now hoping to be a contender after years of being an afterthought. Is the addition of Brady going to give Tampa Bay the charge it needs to challenge for the NFC South title? Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Saints entered the offseason with little work to do. They had to re-signed Drew Brees, which was assumed that they would do, exercise options on a number of players like Cam Jordan, Ryan Ramczyk and Marshon Lattimore, which they did, and then figure out what to do what a few small contributors. We knew that Teddy Bridgewater was likely gone but the team did take some hits with losses like A.J. Klein, Eli Apple and Andrus Peat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall, the Saints shouldn\u2019t be much different from the team that\u2019s won at least 11 games in three straight seasons. Reuniting with safety Malcolm Jenkins should was a great find and should give the secondary a boost. They\u2019re still the favorite to win the NFC South.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bucs added Brady, which should significantly alter the course of their 2020 season. Last year, they were led by the inconsistent quarterback Jameis Winston, who led the league in passing yards but also continuously crippled the team with interceptions. Brady should be a steadying hand at the position and bring much-needed leadership to this roster. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in the fray, and rumors of troubled receiver Antonio Brown on the way as well, the Bucs have a real shot to go from outhouse to penthouse in this division. We\u2019ll have to see what other moves they make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Atlanta Falcons have filled a couple of significant needs by coming to terms with former Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Dante Fowler and running back Todd Gurley. Fowler has signed a three-year, $48 million contract after picking up 11.5 sacks and two forced fumbles last season. The Atlanta Falcons also made a trade by acquiring tight end Hayden Hurst, who appears to be a tight end on the rise. The hope is that he does a good job of replacing Austin Hooper, who signed with the Cleveland Browns for an exorbitant sum of money. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are somewhat tense times in the Dan Quinn era but if the defense can carryover it\u2019s second-half performance into next season and the offense can improve with Gurley, Hurst and just the general health of the offensive line, maybe they\u2019re a playoff contender once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Carolina Panthers have changed gears as the Cam Newton era is over. The signing of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year, $63 million contract has signaled that. Bridgewater will receive $33 million fully guaranteed at signing and $24 million in his first year with the Panthers. Bridgewater held the fort down last season for the Saints when Brees was out, posting a completion percentage of 67.1%, with 1384 yards, nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. However, questions remain as to whether he\u2019s a legitimate franchise quarterback or just a passable starter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Panthers have plenty of work to do this offseason and it\u2019s unclear whether the roster is better or worse now. They did acquire tackle Russell Okung and wideout Seth Roberts, but they\u2019ve lost a lot with guys like Vernon Butler, James Bradberry, Gerald McCoy and Eric Reid all moving on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get the latest NFL football odds and information–follow BetOnline.ag on Twitter<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n