Let’s take a quick trip through some headlines from around the NFC South:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Another step toward a new downtown stadium could come Monday afternoon. Atlanta City Council may vote on a hotel tax that would help finance stadium construction.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
The agent for defensive end Greg Hardy has approached the Panthers about a contract extension. Hardy finished last season with 11 sacks and seems to be a player on the rise. He’s under contract through the end of this season. But I’m not so sure this is the best time for Hardy to be looking for an extension. First off, the Panthers don’t much salary-cap room this year or next. Second, the market for defensive ends isn’t great right now. Former Tampa Bay defensive end Michael Bennett, who might be a more complete player than Hardy, just signed a one-year deal with Seattle for a reported $5 million. Hardy might be better off going out and having another big season and then talking about an extension.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The team has added some depth by signing veteran tight end Benjamin Watson. Jimmy Graham is the main tight end on this team, but the depth was lacking after the release of David Thomas. Watson should fix that. He caught 49 passes for Cleveland last season. The Saints also announced they have re-signed backup linebacker Ramon Humber to a one-year deal.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
It has been widely reported that the Bucs are trying to trade backup running back LeGarrette Blount. But Stephen Holder wonders what happens if no team is willing to deal for Blount. Would the Bucs simply release him? It’s possible. The Bucs kept him around as a backup to Doug Martin last season, but Blount got very little playing time. It’s pretty obvious the coaching staff isn’t that sold on Blount.
