METAIRIE, La. -- Let’s take an evening run through some news and notes from around the NFC South.
ATLANTA FALCONS
D. Orlando Ledbetter reports that the Falcons are $6.437 million under the salary cap after getting $4.5 million in relief once Tyson Clabo’s June 1 release designation took hold. The Falcons still have three rookies to sign, but they should also have enough space to pursue defensive tackle Richard Seymour, who general manager Thomas Dimitroff has said is on the team’s radar.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Jonathan Jones has a feature on how quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly have a friendly competition in which they’re pushing each other in practice. That’s a very healthy thing because it should help the two young players improve.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Kenyon Coleman and Cameron Jordan were the first-team defensive ends at the start of practice, but Akiem Hicks rotated in at times. I think the Saints have high hopes for Hicks, who spent his rookie season at defensive tackle, but played some end in college.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Bucs signed kicker Derek Dimke and waived tight end Evan Landi. Connor Barth has a pretty firm grip on the kicking job, but Dimke will get a look in the preseason.
