2026 NFC South Preview: Offseason Recap for Panthers, Buccaneers, Falcons, and Saints

The NFC South is gearing up for the 2026 season with significant changes among its teams. The Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints are all looking to improve after a competitive offseason.

The Panthers secured key defensive players Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, aiming to enhance a defense that showed improvement last season. However, concerns remain about quarterback Bryce Young's protection due to injuries on the offensive line, leading to a projected record of 7-10.

The Buccaneers, despite a strong start last season, faltered in the latter half, finishing with a disappointing record. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea has expressed a desire for a trade, complicating the team's outlook. The Bucs are projected to finish at 8-9. Meanwhile, the Falcons have hired Kevin Stefanski as head coach, but uncertainty at quarterback raises questions about their ability to improve on a 6-11 record. Lastly, the Saints have added running back Travis Etienne Jr. to bolster their offense, with a projection of 9-8 as they aim to build on a strong finish last season.