Let's take a look at some news and notes from around the division:
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Roy Cummings points out that New York has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. That could be a problem for defensive end Da’Quan Bowers, who was charged with illegally carrying a gun at LaGuardia Airport on Monday. The charge comes with a mandatory prison term. NFL receiver Plaxico Burress was arrested on a similar charge in 2008. Burress took a plea deal to a lesser charge, but still spent two years in prison.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Coach Sean Payton stopped by Tulane’s practice and caught up with Hall of Famer Joe Montana, whose son, Nick, is competing for the starting quarterback job.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Coach Ron Rivera said the team is working through the details of getting under the salary cap before the start of the league year on March 12. The Panthers already have restructured center Ryan Kalil’s contract and there are likely to be more restructures. But there also could be some releases of veteran players and cornerback Chris Gamble and defensive tackle Ron Edwards appear to be the most likely candidates.
ATLANTA FALCONS
D. Orlando Ledbetter writes that the Falcons will be looking closely at the tight end position at the scouting combine. They should because they may need a replacement if Tony Gonzalez decides to retire. Even if Gonzalez decides to play another season, the Falcons might want to grab his eventual successor now.
