NFC South Offseason Grades: Free Agency and Trade Moves Reviewed

2025 NFL free agency brought some changes across the NFC South. After a year filled with inconsistency and underperformance, each team entered the offseason looking to take a step forward. This free agency cycle saw a mix of aggressive spending, targeted veteran additions, and roster reshaping to create more balance and stability. While the division remains unpredictable, the overall talent level has improved. With coaching staffs settling in and new pieces in place, the NFC South is positioned to be more competitive.

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta aimed to overhaul its defense with smart, scheme-fit additions.

Leonard Floyd arrives from the Bills and should immediately become the focal point of the pass rush. In 2024, he posted 10.5 sacks, 24 quarterback hits, and 11 tackles for loss. His speed off the edge and veteran presence are exactly what Atlanta needs to improve their bottom-tier sack production.

Morgan Fox brings interior energy to the Falcons’ defensive line. With six sacks and 18 pressures last season, he gives Atlanta a high-effort tackle to complement their rotation, particularly on passing downs.

Divine Deablo steps in as a rangy, instinctive linebacker. Formerly with the Raiders, he brings over 100 tackles and valuable leadership. His experience calling plays and fit in zone-heavy coverage makes him a solid starter.

Jordan Fuller reunites with Raheem Morris and provides reliable safety depth. A veteran who played with the Panthers in 2024, Fuller had 89 tackles and three interceptions. He understands the system and could challenge for a starting role.

Summary: Atlanta bolstered its defense effectively, but questions linger on offense. They lost center Drew Dalman in free agency and have not addressed glaring issues at wide receiver or cornerback. With a lack of offensive upgrades, internal development must carry this team.

Grade: C-

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers took a targeted approach to fortify both sides of the ball.

Trevon Moehrig, a rising safety from the Raiders, is a strong fit for Ejiro Evero’s two-deep zone system. Moehrig brings ball skills and range, and at age 25, has upside to become a long-term starter.

Rico Dowdle adds a physical presence in the backfield. With over 1,000 rushing yards for the Cowboys in 2024, Dowdle offers dependability and complements Carolina’s zone run scheme. He is not flashy, but he could be just what they need.

Patrick Jones II gives the edge group some power and consistency. A high-effort player, he is coming off a 6.5 sack season in Minnesota and fits well into Evero’s rotation.

Christian Rozeboom provides depth and system familiarity at linebacker. With 135 tackles last season, Rozeboom knows Evero’s defense and should contribute as a reliable second-unit piece.

Summary: Carolina improved defensively and added a reliable runner, but they failed to significantly address an offensive line that struggled in 2024. With Bryce Young still developing, that could prove costly.

Grade: B

New Orleans Saints

The Saints made smart, cost-efficient signings.

Justin Reid steps in as a savvy, versatile safety to pair with Tyrann Mathieu. With 92 tackles and two interceptions for Kansas City in 2024, Reid brings balance and high football IQ to the back end.

Brandin Cooks returns to New Orleans with deep-threat potential. In 10 games with Dallas last year, he recorded 259 receiving yards and three scores. He should boost the offense and provide familiarity.

Davon Godchaux adds bulk to the defensive front. Acquired from New England, he has one of the best tackle conversion rates in the league and adds strength inside. Returning to Louisiana, he gives the front a hometown boost.

Isaac Yiadom, re-signing with the Saints, brings zone savvy and special teams value. He tallied 44 tackles and three takeaways for the 49ers last season and gives the corner room much-needed depth.

Summary: This was a solid class. The defense got deeper and the offense added speed, but the offensive line continues to age without a clear succession plan. If the protection falters again, it may limit what Derek Carr and the offense can achieve.

Grade: B-

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay took a conservative but purposeful path in free agency.

Haason Reddick joins to provide pass rush help after a quiet 2024 with the Jets. If he returns to form, this will be one of the best value signings of the offseason.

Anthony Walker Jr. offers experience and calm to the linebacker group. He played well for Miami last season and should be a rotational contributor who understands assignments and helps in the locker room.

Kindle Vildor gives the Bucs flexibility in the secondary. He played all 17 games for Detroit and has experience both inside and out. He will serve as useful depth and help on special teams.

Riley Dixon upgrades the punting game after a strong 2024 with Denver. Averaging over 46 yards per punt and consistently pinning opponents inside the 20, he brings stability to a position that was a weakness last year.

Summary: Tampa’s offseason won’t grab headlines, but they addressed needs with proven veterans. Still, they ignored offensive line issues that held them back in 2024. That could limit their ability to stay competitive in the NFC.

Grade: B

Overall Division Outlook

Each team in the NFC South improved in some way, but none took a leap. Atlanta loaded up on defense but left offensive needs untouched. Carolina added impactful defenders but ignored their biggest weakness in pass protection. New Orleans made efficient signings that match Dennis Allen’s scheme but continue to risk offensive line regression. Tampa upgraded its pass rush and special teams but still lacks a solid offensive front.

This division might be deeper than a year ago, but without bold offensive moves, no clear frontrunner has emerged. Expect a competitive but unpredictable NFC South race in 2025.