Saintswrath

A

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The new regime of general manager Jason Licht and coach Lovie Smith has been bold but financially responsible in adding underrated talents in LT Anthony Collins, DE Michael Johnson and CB Alterraun Verner while shedding established players they didn't want (CB Darrelle Revis, LT Donald Penn, G Davin Joseph). If new QB Josh McCown comes close to his 2013 production as a backup, the Bucs could be dangerous.

Next: Expect Licht and Smith to continue chasing players made for the Cover 2 defense, especially up front. A receiver could be atop the draft board while quarterback could also be under consideration again.


B+
New Orleans Saints: They swooped in to snare FS Jairus Byrd (for a whopping $54 million over six years) when they didn't appear to have the flexibility to make such a move. Re-signing RT Zach Strief was a solid choice. Franchise tight end Jimmy Graham's situation, however, remains in limbo and will probably preclude more significant moves.

Next: With Brian De La Puente unsigned, there's an opening at center that could linger. Getting a deal done for Graham would enable GM Mickey Loomis to address his depth.

NO WORRIES: Brees confident Graham will be on the field in Week 1


B-

Atlanta Falcons: The names may not be familiar (G Jon asamoah, DE tyson Jackson and DT Paul Soliai) but GM Thomas Dimitroff has been busy adding and re-signing bodies for his offensive and defensive lines. That looks like a sound strategy for a team that fell off a cliff in 2013, and the defense in particular looks more diverse.

Next: Atlanta still needs difference makers, pass rushers specifically, but is set up to get one early in the draft.


C-

Carolina Panthers: GM Dave Gettleman managed to franchise DE Greg Hardy, regarded by some as the best player in the league with an expiring contract. Tagging Hardy, however, meant the receiving corps and secondary would be decimated, to say nothing of the void created by the retirement of LT Jordan Gross.

SIDELINED: Cam Newton faces four-month recovery after ankle surgery

Next: Gettleman will be hard-pressed to find veteran solutions to his issues given Carolina's tight cap and will have to hope for the best in May.

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Ravens, Eagles, Bucs earn early A's in free agency

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