Free Agent Needs by Division: NFC South
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: After releasing Michael Turner, John Abraham and Dunta Robinson, the Falcons are $16 million under the salary cap. SS William Moore is the first potential free agent they will look to secure. Moore is one of the better strong safeties in the league, so he should garner at least a 5 year deal worth over $30 million. (Update: Moore has received a five-year deal with financial terms remaining undisclosed at this time.) On offense, RB Steven Jackson is not expected to return as a Ram, and the Falcons are a prime landing spot for the veteran. He’s old for a starting running back at 29, but he’s remained in spectacular shape to this point and would be a welcome addition. TE Tony Gonzalez, another aging veteran, may do his best Brett Favre impersonation and return for one more year to a contending team. There is a gap at right guard in Atlanta, as Peter Konz is moving to center. Free agent Ramon Foster would be a great fit for their pass blocking scheme.

Carolina Panthers: The Panthers are cap-strapped, and one of their first moves will probably be to release CB Chris Gamble. If this occurs, they’ll only have Josh Thomas, James Dockery and Josh Norman under contract. The Panthers could certainly use Captain Munnerlyn  back as a slot corner, but they will have to see how he does on the market before they can sign him. Free Agent FS Kenny Phillips has a history with new GM Dave Gettleman, as they were both with the Giants, and should come at a reasonable price due to his injury history. He would be a big step up from Haruki Nakamura, who is re-signed, but could be mainly a special teamer.

New Orleans Saints: Free agent LT Jermon Bushrod is the Saints’ top priority, and it would behoove them to re-sign him before Tuesday. Only Jake Long is more highly valued as far as FA tackles are concerned. He can expect an annual salary of $7 million and be content. New Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan runs a 3-4, and will need pass rushers. OL Victor Butler would fare well in New Orleans, as he was a Cowboy under during Ryan’s tenure, and showed flashes of talent when he saw playing time. On offense the Saints’ backfield looks to be as convoluted as ever now that they’ve retained their stranglehold on Chris Ivory as of Friday.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: It looks as if DE Michael Bennett Defensive end will not return to Tampa Bay, so they will need a decent pass rusher to replace him. Enter Osu Umenyiora. He’s 31, but still effective in the pass rush, and he’s familiar with Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan who was on the Giants’ staff for 4 years. Also on defense, DT Roy Miller is a free agent, and probably won’t be re-signed. Denver free agent DT Kevin Vickerson helped make Denver a top 3 defense last year, and would fit in nicely as a replacement. QB Josh Freeman gets another go this year, but don’t be surprised if he gets some competition.