The NFC South was a two-team battle last year, as the Carolina Panthers (12-4) and New Orleans Saints (11-5) fought for first place, while the Atlanta Falcons (4-12) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) feel far behind.
There certainly was a gap in talent last year between the top and bottom, but this year may close the gap. The Buccaneers and Falcons made key additions which could propel them closer to the Panthers and Saints atop the NFC South.
Here are a few of the key additions from teams in the division:
Jairus Byrd, S, New Orleans Saints
Byrd was one of the premier players on the market this offseason, and the Saints lured him away from the Buffalo Bills for six years and $54 million. When on his game, Byrd might be the best free safety in the entire game.
The former Bills free safety will certainly help a Saints pass defense that already ranked second in the NFL in passing yards allowed. Byrd’s 22 career interceptions in an added bonus, since the Saints only had 12 in total last season.
Alterraun Verner, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers lost star cornerback Darrelle Revis to the New England Patriots this offseason, so signing another Pro Bowl-caliber corner to replace him. Verner certainly fit that criterion and then some, prompting the Buccaneers to sign him to a four-year, $26 million deal.
Verner is just 25 years old and is already a strong force on any defense, defending 22 passes last year. Add in the 288 career tackles, and the Buccaneers may have gotten a multi-faceted players; hard to find in this league.
The Buccaneers’ 17th-ranked pass defense needed help and Verner could provide a boost that even Revis may not have.
Michael Johnson, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers were on the offensive about defense as soon as the 2013 season ended, and Johnson was one of the most important acquisitions they made. Johnson was a key contributor to a Cincinnati Bengals for five years.
Johnson’s 26.5 sacks with the Bengals, including 11.5 in 2012, should give the Buccaneers confidence that they can improve on the 35 sacks they totaled last season. At 27, Johnson is yet another young addition to the Buccaneers defense, setting the team up for success for years to come.
Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Carolina Panthers
Cothcery recorded 602 yards and 10 touchdowns last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers; great numbers for a No. 2 receiver. However, he wanted more and the Panthers gave him that opportunity.
After watching Steve Smith, Ted Ginn and Brandon LaFell leave for other teams, the Panthers needed to find a reliable veteran to satisfy the No. 1 receiver role until younger receivers developed. Cotchery will be looked at to be a safety net for Cam Newton and by default, will have the same type of season as last year.
Devin Hester, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Hester also find himself here by default, as the Falcons made a few defensive additions, like Josh Wilson and Javier Arenas, but none big enough to have a large impact. Hester, however, has big-play potential on both offense and special teams.
He simply is a game-changer. Add him to an offense that will include Julio Jones and Harry Douglas, and Matt Ryan’s seems primed for a strong season. Hester will instantly make the Falcons’ offense one to be feared.