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NFL Offseason 2021: Biggest storyline for all 32 teams

By Russell S. Baxter

TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians react before Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 07: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Bruce Arians react before Super Bowl LV against the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium on February 07, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Saints (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
New Orleans Saints (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

NFC South: Biggest 2021 NFL offseason storylines

New Orleans Saints: Hard times ahead in the Big Easy?

Drew Brees has retired after 20 NFL seasons and due to the club’s yearly salary-cap issues, there have been plenty of departures from a team that has captured the last four NFC South titles. But Sean Payton’s club failed to reach the Super Bowl each of those years. And will quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill both start in 2021?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Repeating isn’t easy to do, but…

It hasn’t happened since the Patriots (with Tom Brady behind center) turned the tough trick in 2003 and 2004. Bruce Arians’ club owned a 7-5 record after a dozen games this past season but ran the table and got hot in the playoffs. And linebackers Lavonte David and Shaquil Barrett and tight end Rob Gronkowski have re-signed with the champs.

Carolina Panthers: Looking for another year of improvement

The franchise has posted consecutive 5-11 campaigns, the second with first-time NFL head coach Matt Rhule. But the Panthers were a team that made strides in 2020 rather than a club that lost its final eight games after a 5-3 start the previous year. The Panthers gave up 68 fewer points (402) than they allowed one season earlier (470).

Atlanta Falcons: Still looking for that pass-rushing magic

Be it drafting, free agency or trades, the franchise can’t seem to find someone who can consistently put heat on quarterbacks. Hence the Falcons allowed the most passing yards in the NFL in 2020 and wound up totaling just 29 sacks and allowing 34 touchdown tosses. Now veteran defensive mind Dean Pees joins new head coach Arthur Smith.

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