Welcome back to State of the NFC South!
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Starting with the team that proved preseason expectations can go wrong, the Buccaneers were the surprise team of the NFC South last season. It’s not because they overperformed, but instead, disappointed and lost the division title. The team struggled with injuries, and the offense consistently regressed after OC Liam Coen left in the offseason.
For 2026, the hope is the team can bounce back and get back to their winning ways, but already, there are some clear
reasons why that won’t happen. Contract disputes with Baker Mayfield and a trade request from Vita Vea could derail what the Buccaneers want to accomplish, but in their first preseason game, we could see some players save their season. EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. was their first-round pick, and if he can be a star right away, the Buccaneers defense would be much better. Also, third-round pick Ted Hurst could become the “Mike Evans replacement” after the veteran left in free agency. Although their snaps may be limited, it will be great to see what they can do on the field.
Carolina Panthers
Unlike the Buccaneers, the Panthers actually did win the division in a bit of a shocking outcome, but ended up losing in the first round. After one of the best seasons in a while, the Panthers are looking to upgrade and compete in the playoffs for 2026. The pressure will be on Bryce Young to deliver, especially with a contract extension potentially right around the corner.
For Preseason, the Panthers are the one team out of the division that has played a preseason matchup, which was the Hall of Fame game. Carolina ended up winning an extremely close battle with the Arizona Cardinals, and rookie QB Haynes King made the final play to get the victory. Rookie WR Chris Brazzell III went down with an injury that knocked him out for the season. First-round pick Monroe Freeling did not play in the preseason game as well.
Atlanta Falcons
With new HC Kevin Stefanski, the Falcons are in an interesting situation with their roster. It’s very youth-focused, and the potential is there, but Michael Penix Jr. still needs to prove to the coaching staff that they can rely on him, and the Falcons did not have a first-round pick in 2026 due to the James Pearce Jr. trade. Speaking of that trade, Pearce Jr. may be suspended for some of the 2026 season, and fellow 2025 first-round pick Jalon Walker will be out for the season with an injury. The draft class still has some talent, but this roster as a whole has a lot to prove in 2026.
New Orleans Saints
Even after finishing last season in 2025, the Saints have momentum going into this season. QB Tyler Shough showed the coaching staff he can be the starter, the offense is completely rebuilt to have little to no issues, and the defense has talent to be excited about. With those factors and a fourth-place schedule in the division, the season is set for the Saints to have a similar season to what the Panthers did last year, but injuries are becoming an issue.
Some extremely important veterans on the roster have picked up injuries, and it’s already become the first big roadblock in the season. Still, the rookie class is extremely exciting, and the first preseason game against the Jaguars could be a perfect time for the young players to step up right away.
