The NFC South Division Teams made their own preparations. They chose the best addition to fortify their defense and offensive strategies for a chance to play in the Super Bowl this year.
Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR
The Atlanta Falcons need a wide receiver to replace Calvin Ridley who is out on a suspension levied by the NFL for betting during the 2021 NFL season. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell condemned Ridley’s actions, saying that he “put the integrity of the game at risk.”
Atlanta selected Drake London to step in Ridley’s shoes and will be the top wideouts for the Braves. Ridley is suspended for a year and will be eligible to file for reinstatement on Feb. 15, 2023.
London was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2021. London fractured his right ankle, forcing him to miss the rest of the year in Southern Cal’s eighth game of the 2021 season.
London will join the core group of receivers with Olamide Zaccheaus, Auden Tate, and Frank Darby. More importantly, London will augment an offensive line with Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson as offensive weapons, too.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota will have a few quality options in his arsenal to target his wide receivers.
The Former USC Trojan London fits the mold of what Coach Arthur Smith was looking for this offseason. The head coach and offensive play caller needed a wide receiver who could take a hit and keep trucking, a Yardage After Catch (YAC) item.
Carolina Panthers: Matt Corral, QB
Carolina Panthers game-caller Sam Darnold did not impress Panthers fans with his performance last season. The Carolina Panthers looked for a potential backup to Darnold for the coming season.
Carolina saw Matt Corral and what he could do for the Panthers. Corral was the answer to their scouts. The Carolina Panthers selected him in the third round (94th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The rookie out of Ole Mississippi could compete with Sam Darnold for the backup job in Carolina, assuming the newly acquired Baker Mayfield takes the starting gig under center.
Corral is a tough competitor and respected leader with a versatile skill set. He has all the tools to eventually develop into a quality starter down the line and could lead the Falcons to a shot at the
Super Bowl. The Carolina Panthers finally agreed to terms with the quarterback on his four-year, fully-guaranteed rookie contract.
Corral will bring important traits to his team. Firstly, the former Ole Miss Rebel showed enough elusiveness in and out of the pocket to suggest he can bring this forward into the NFL with the Panthers. Secondly, he brings an NFL-ready release to the Carolina Panthers.
Other players will need much work when exposed to the task of a quarterback. Corral’s already NFL-ready release is a perfect fit for new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s scheme when the time comes.
Thirdly, Corral overcame adversity that included alcoholism and depression. He admitted that he has adjusted to this threat to his personality and is good to go. His mindset is an inspiration and could be of significant use to the Carolina Panthers moving forward.
And lastly, Corral will bring fearlessness to the Panthers. This is a trait that is hard to love to the signal-caller’s approach on the field. He is rarely flustered in the pocket and often accurate under pressure, Corral has the attitude that can inspire those in the stands and build momentum quickly where it matters most.
New Orleans Saints: Jarvis Landry, WR
Wide Receiver Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints had an injured ankle in Week 1 of the 2020 season; consequently, he hasn’t been healthy since. He only played seven games that season and delayed his surgery until June to repair several ligaments.
The long wait led him to miss the entire 2021 season. Thomas is not ready yet and continues on his rehab.
Jarvis Landry is an NFL Draft initially picked by the Miami Dolphins in 2014. He made three Pro Bowls with the Dolphins.
On March 9, 2018, Landry agreed to be traded to the Cleveland Browns where he made two Super Bowl appearances. Eventually, he signed a five-year, $75.5 million extension ($47 million guaranteed) with the Browns, making him the sixth-highest paid receiver at the time.
He led the league in receptions in 2017 with 112. His 564 career receptions are the most by a player through his first six seasons in NFL history.
On March 14, 2022, Landry was released from the Browns and went to sign a one-year contract with the Saints on May 13, 2022. Here is what Landry can bring to Saints. Firstly, He understands how to get open and how to make plays with the ball in his hands.
Secondly, Landry is really good in transition in and out of the route. The top of the route is really pretty good with him.
Coach Dennis Allen thinks he is a really good addition for New Orleans and is anxious to really kind of get going with the 9-year veteran.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Russell Gage, WR
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced another loss with the retirement of Tight End Rob Gronkowski on June 21, 2022. Gronkowski has had a colorful career in and out of the NFL and his loss will be missed.
The Buccaneers have Chris Godwin back from a major knee injury suffered in a 9-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 15 of the 2020 season.
Despite the injury, Tampa Bay signed him to a three-year, $60 million contract with $40 million in guarantees. Godwin will continue rehabilitating through training camp and could begin the season on the PUP/reserve list.
Reports on his rehab are full of optimism with rumors of Godwin trying to return for Week 1. But the Bucs might be cautious and give their star receiver some extra time to start the season.
That led to Tampa Bay signing WR Russell Gage to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to complement Goodwin. Gage is an Atlanta Falcons sixth-round pick with the 194th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Gage is the third wide receiver on the Bucs depth chart, to start alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin with Tyler Johnson, Breshad Perriman, and Scotty Miller sitting behind him.
With Godwin coming off of a torn ACL, expect Gage to contribute more to the receiving corps as he eases back into the system. He was productive in Atlanta, and will likely see more opportunities with his new team.
The NFC South Division Teams are confident enough and happy to be with their additions for the coming season.