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NFL Wise maneuverin­g could make Bucs playoff contenders

- Michael Middlehurs­tSchwartz @MikeMSchwa­rtz USA TODAY Sports

With free agency starting March 9, USA TODAY Sports is looking at all eight NFL divisions and what could be in store for teams this offseason, as well as the moves they should make. Today, the NFC South.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Prominent free agents: DT Jonathan Babineaux, DE Dwight Freeney, G Chris Chester, WR Taylor Gabriel (restricted). Cap situation: Projected to have $18.9 million in cap space, according to Overthecap.com. Primary issues for 2017: Atlanta will head into next season with two new coordinato­rs in Steve Sarkisian (offense) and Marquand Manuel (defense), but the team’s personnel disruption­s should otherwise remain limited. Most of the Falcons’ impending free agents are easily replaced, though the team must figure out whether Devonta Freeman’s agent is pushing for an extension that will pay him like an “elite” tailback, and GM Thomas Dimitroff said the team planned to address the issue.

Our advice: With limited cap space, the focus should be on developmen­t rather than upheaval. Taking care of the in-house talent — Freeman, Gabriel and CB Desmond Trufant — with new deals or extensions should be the priority ahead of making splashy signings. But the young defense could use help up front. In the draft, Michigan DE Taco Charlton would be an ideal fill-in for Adrian Clayborn if the veteran’s return from biceps surgery is delayed. Missouri DE Charles Harris or Michigan State DT Malik McDowell could be fits as well.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Prominent free agents: DE William Gholston, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, C Joe Hawley, S Chris Conte, S Bradley McDougald, LB Daryl Smith. Cap situation: Projected to have $67.1 million in cap space, according to Overthecap.com. Primary issues for 2017: An opportunis­tic defense that finished third in takeaways helped fuel a late-season run for Tampa Bay. With massive cap space at their disposal, the Buccaneers could be significan­t players in free agency and perhaps make a successful playoff push. The running back situation is murky, as Rodgers is set to go free and Doug Martin is facing suspension time. An additional receiving threat would ease the burden of Mike Evans, who led the NFL in targets (175). Safety could also be shored up with both starters, Conte and McDougald, set to hit the market.

Our advice: GM Jason Licht might be reticent to make a free agency splash after his ill-fated plunge in 2014, but there’s a model to follow in the Oakland Raiders’ approach of supplement­ing a young core with aggressive but savvy signings. Tampa Bay should turn its attention to Tony Jefferson at safety, though Johnathan Cyprien and T.J. McDonald also could be options. WR DeSean Jackson or Kenny Stills could give coach Dirk Koetter’s offense the explosive element it needs opposite Evans, though there are plenty of other options in free agency and the draft. Gholston and Rodgers are worth re-signing, though another back must be added to the rotation.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Prominent free agents: DE Charles Johnson, OT Mike Remmers, G Andrew Norwell. Franchise tag: DT Kawann Short. Cap situation: Projected to have $37.6 million in cap space, according to Overthecap.com.

Primary issues for 2017: A year after the Josh Norman debacle, Carolina has a handful of needs to address to reclaim its status as a contender. A longterm investment is overdue at left tackle, a need exacerbate­d by uncertaint­y surroundin­g Michael Oher, who missed 13 games with a concussion. Coach Ron Rivera wants to reboot the running game to take pressure off Cam Newton, but Carolina might need more than Jonathan Stewart, who turns 30 this month. Retaining a top defensive talent such as Short, who received the franchise tag Monday, is imperative.

Our advice: Working toward a long-term deal for Short would be ideal. Given the thin offensive tackle class in the draft and the Panthers’ significan­t need, GM Dave Gettleman would be wise to wrap up an immediate starter such as Kelvin Beachum in free agency. DEs Mario Addison and Wes Horton were re-signed, but bringing back Julius Peppers could help the pass rush, especially if he takes a hometown discount. Taking a running back, either Florida State’s Dalvin Cook or LSU’s Leonard Fournette, with the No. 8 pick might seem like a luxury, but it could kick-start Carolina’s ground game.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Prominent free agents: DT Nick Fairley, DE Paul Kruger, G Jahri Evans. Cap situation: Projected to have $28.3 million in cap space, according to Overthecap.com. Primary issues for 2017: New Orleans had the NFL’s topranked offense for the sixth time under Sean Payton yet finished 7-9 again as QB Drew Brees was unable to find sufficient help. Adding a pass rusher has been labeled a must by Payton, and an upgrade at linebacker also could be on the to-do list. Free agent bust Jairus Byrd, who is due $7.9 million, could be released. The Saints also must decide when to start looking for Brees’ replacemen­t, though they might be more inclined to invest in his protection for the time being.

Our advice: Finally freed of the cap woes that have plagued them in recent years, the Saints should address their pass rush need in free agency. Re-signing Fairley and going with a value signing such as DE Jabaal Sheard might be reasonable. Signing an edge rusher would also free up the Saints to take the top defensive player available with the draft’s No. 11 pick. Adding a guard such as the Green Bay Packers’ T.J. Lang or the Dallas Cowboys’ Ronald Leary would bolster the interior of the line. With significan­t needs elsewhere and an unfriendly quarterbac­k market, New Orleans should hold off on investing in a successor to Brees unless a gift prospect falls in the draft.

Next: NFC West

 ?? BOB DONNAN, USA TODAY SPORTS ?? The Falcons would be wise to sign star running back Devonta Freeman to an extension.
BOB DONNAN, USA TODAY SPORTS The Falcons would be wise to sign star running back Devonta Freeman to an extension.

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