Time for a quick spin through some odds and ends from around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Former Atlanta defensive end Claude Humphrey might finally get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was announced Wednesday that Humphrey and Ray Guy are the two candidates nominated by the senior committee for the Class of 2014. The final selection will come the day before the Super Bowl.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Former Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme addressed the team Wednesday. Most of the current players never played with Delhomme, but they’d be wise to listen to the only quarterback ever to take the team to a Super Bowl. I’m glad Delhomme still has a relationship with the team. His time in Carolina didn’t end well, but fans need to get over that and remember that there were a lot of good times with Delhomme.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The team released offensive tackle Jason Smith on Wednesday. The Saints took a shot on Smith, who was the second overall pick of the 2009 draft by St. Louis because they thought he still might have some upside. They gave him a look first at left tackle, but Charles Brown and rookie Terron Armstead quickly moved ahead of him. Smith later switched to right tackle, but fell behind Bryce Harris as the backup to starter Zach Strief.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Kicker Rian Lindell, who was signed by the Bucs on Wednesday, sent a classy letter to the fans of the Buffalo Bills, the team he played for the previous 10 seasons.
Quarterback Josh Freeman took the high road when asked about recent criticism by Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton. Freeman said the important thing is to have the respect of his coaches and teammates.
