The NFL owners meeting has ended, so let's take a run through the headlines from around the division:
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Coach Greg Schiano predicted a “great’’ season by quarterback Josh Freeman in 2013. Schiano said Freeman had three bad games in 2012 and the key is to avoid the same mistakes in the future. As I’ve said before, I think the ability is there for Freeman to be a really good quarterback. I just think he needs to relax a bit and not put so much pressure on himself.
Cornerback E.J. Biggers has left for the Washington Redskins via free agency. The Bucs had some interest in keeping Biggers, but only as a third or fourth corner. They’ll address the cornerback position (probably more than once) in free agency, trade or the draft.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Former New Orleans defensive end Turk McBride has signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears. No big shock there. McBride was a nice role player when the Saints ran the 4-3 defense, but he wouldn’t have been a good fit in the 3-4.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Coach Ron Rivera had glowing things to say about Ted Ginn Jr., who visited the team and has been offered a contract. If the Panthers end up with the wide receiver/kick returner, it probably doesn’t bode well for the futures of Kealoha Pilares, Joe Adams and Armanti Edwards.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Jeff Schultz writes that the Falcons might be better off signing a veteran cornerback and getting a pass-rusher in the draft. I agree. You’re not going to get a great cornerback at No. 30, but you might get a decent pass-rusher. There still are a few free-agent cornerbacks on the market. But the best one might be Brent Grimes, who has spent his career in Atlanta. The Falcons have interest in Grimes and I think there’s a decent chance he ends up re-signing with the team because it doesn’t seem like anyone else is throwing huge money at him.
