Every off-season NFL teams add and cut players to try and form that championship team. Therefore now more than ever football has become a year round sport, not just during the season. So here we are picking the most impactful off-season additions, and for this part of the series we’re in the NFC south.
Atlanta Falcons -Casey Hayward, cb
This will probably be remembered as the off-season the Atlanta Falcons traded Matt Ryan. Yet there’s some positions that the Falcons got better at for the future, but to pick the player with the biggest impact would have to be Casey Hayward. Hayward only allowed 30 or less yards in 15 of his 18 games last season. I know alot of people will put a wide receiver here but I don’t believe all the new offensive additions will have the chemistry or be comfortable enough in their new offense to impact this season fully. On the other hand you got Hayward a veteran defensive back lined up across from A J Terrell to make up one of the best cb duos in the league.
Carolina Panthers- Ikem Ekwonu
This was an easy choice even after they brought in Baker Mayfield. No matter who wins the starting quarterback spot between Mayfield, Sam Darnold or rookie Matt Coral, they will benefit from the better offensive line play now with Ekwonu keeping them upright. Last year the Panthers had the second worse o-line in the NFL. It doesn’t matter how great your quarterback or running back is if your line can’t keep them on their feet. Christian McCaffrey will also have a career season this year behind Ekwonu and company. The Panthers made the best choice picking Ekwonu sixth overall in the NFL draft, and they will be a lot better because of it.
New Orleans Saints -Chris Olave
The most Impactful Off-Season Additions on the New Orleans Saints is first round draft pick Chris Olave. The Saints new wide receiver is just what Jameis Winston needed to be successful this season. They also got star receiver Jarvis Landry in the off-season and I almost put his name here because he’s gonna make a huge impact in their passing game as well. I went with Olave over Landry because defenses are gonna be adjusting and planning just to lock down Landry which will take attention off Olave and give him much more opportunities for receptions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Logan Ryan
This was a tough choice between Logan Ryan, and Russ Gage. I know the offense will be potent but in reality Ryan and Keanu Neal in the secondary will be the biggest improvement to last year’s team. The secondary wasn’t week last year but it was the least strongest part of the team. In the playoffs the offense had come back against the rams and tied it with 45 seconds left before Mathew Stafford and Cooper Kupp torched the secondary to win the game.
This was the most impactful off-season additions for every team in the NFC South. I hope you enjoyed and let me know whether you agreed or disagreed with my picks and why. There’s nothing better than debating sports with fellow fans. Also here are some other great articles for you to check out.
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