The new league year has not officially started but the moves are heating up. You might be wondering, when does NFL free agency start? Free agency officially begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 18, but moves have started to be made as of March 16. In the NFC South, the Saints’ division rivals are doing their best to keep up with the black and gold. The Panthers and Buccaneers have made a few moves while the Falcons have taken some losses. Here is a updated look at what trades are happening on with in the NFC South free agency:
Atlanta Falcons
To start with the NFC South free agency we will start with the most hated rival. The Atlanta Falcons have not done much to add to their team. However, they have lost a few key players. Austin Hooper was allowed to walk and sign a big deal with the Browns.
Vic Beasley starts a new chapter and got a one year deal with the Titans. Wes Schweitzer took away from their offensive line depth to sign with the Redskins. The biggest subtraction came at the hands of Devonta Freeman, who will be released once the year is official. Seems like Atlanta is one their way to a rebuild unless they make big splashes soon.
Speaking of splash plays the Falcons bring in Dante Fowler on a 3 year, $48 million contract. Vic Beasley needed a replacment, maybe he fits the bill.
Todd Gurley poked fun at his release from the Rams, but he found work fast in the NFC South on the Falcons. It kind of feels like that time they signed Stephen Jackson. Either way the NFC South just got more interesting.
Carolina Panthers
Things have been crazy in Carolina lately. Reports emerged that the team was allowing Cam Newton to seek a trade only for the man himself to debunk the news as it came as a shock. Nonetheless, that has not stopped them from bring in a familiar face in Teddy Bridgewater.
They also added to their defense with Stephen Weatherly, Juston Burris and bringing back Tre Boston. On the flip side, they took some major hits losing Vernon Butler, James Bradberry and Mario Addison. But nothing was as big a blow as Luke Kuechly announcing his retirement shortly after the season. Those will be some huge shoes to fill and there is no clear direction where the franchise is headed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The biggest move so far is the reports that Tom Brady will be signing with the Buccaneers. Crazy to think after twenty years as a Patriot, he will be donning a new uniform. Not to be overshadowed, they also re-signed Jason Pierre-Paul and franchise tagged Shaq Barrett. But it can not go unnoticed the idea of Brady vs Brees two times a year. This is what football is all about. Also, it will be Brady’s first time as part of an NFC team. Get the popcorn ready because this is just the beginning.
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