The NFC South has a good chance to be the strongest division in all of football. The talent is extraordinary for these four teams. This offseason, they all made big moves to go out and get big-time players.
Let’s look at the quarterbacks.
Tom Brady (Buccaneers)
This offseason, Tom Brady landed with the Bucs on a two-year, $50 million deal with $9 million in potential incentives. Tampa Bay made a great pick up. Brady joins the team after playing 20 years with the Patriots, winning six rings and attending 14 Pro Bowls. Last year, he threw for 4,057 yards with 24 touchdowns.
The Buccaneers finished 7-9 in 2019 and have not won a playoff game since 2002. Tom Brady will make a great impact for Tampa. He is around the right coaches in Bruce Arians, Byron Leftwich, and Todd Bowles. Brady and the Bucs organization are confident they can have a winning season next year.
Drew Brees (Saints)
Drew Brees has a new contract with New Orleans for two years at $50 million. That deal will include a $23 million signing bonus. In 2019, the Saints had a disappointing finish to their season, getting knocked out by Minnesota at home in the first round.
Brees is back and ready to compete next season. Last year, he threw for 2,979 yards with 27 touchdowns. He has been part of 13 Pro Bowls and that number is going up. The Saints have so many weapons led by Sean Payton and Brees. That duo is dangerous and New Orleans will be playoff contenders this year.
Teddy Bridgewater (Panthers)
Bridgewater and Carolina agreed to a three-year $63 million contract. The Panthers are getting a fast and talented quarterback who can scramble and throw. In 2019, when Brees was hurt, Bridgewater threw for 1,384 yards and nine touchdowns, keeping the Saints in the fight for the playoffs.
People saw him play for that stint and knew he had tons of talent. The Panthers took a chance on him this offseason in what was a solid pick up for Carolina. With a solid offense after adding Bridgewater, the Panthers will be tough to beat. Their new signal-caller can scramble and get the ball downfield, which is exactly what they needed.
Matt Ryan (Falcons)
Matt Ryan is another veteran who has had major success over the years. In 2019, he threw for 4,466 yards and 26 touchdowns. Ryan is a four-time Pro Bowler and has played in the league for 13 years. The Falcons just added Todd Gurley this offseason to help Ryan in the backfield.
Atlanta can be sneaky dangerous this year with a solid receiving core. Matt Ryan has his weapons and can use his veteran experience to help him and the team out. Dan Quinn has also been in big games in the past and has potential. Atlanta is trying to bounce back after a disappointing season last year.
