6 NFL teams that won't return to the playoffs in 2021

6 NFL teams that won’t return to the playoffs in 2021

By Randy Gurzi | May 17, 2021

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 17: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 17, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 03: Quarterback Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints shares a smile as he greets teammate quarterback Taysom Hill #7 during the second half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

2. New Orleans Saints

For the past four years, the New Orleans Saints have been dominating the NFC South. 2020 was the fourth season in a row they won the division as they have proven to be one of the more consistent franchises in the NFL.

Unfortunately for them, they suddenly have a new team to worry about in the South — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They did edge out Tampa in the regular season but the Bucs would end up knocking them out of the Divisional Round en route to a Super Bowl win in their own stadium.

With the Bucs returning all 22 starters for their title run, and the Saints losing Drew Brees, there’s no reason not to think Tampa Bay won’t run away with the division.

Making it harder for the Saints is the fact that they don’t have a true quarterback in mind. They did give Taysom Hill a comically enlarged contract that’s completely voidable but they followed that up with a re-signing Jameis Winston to an incentive-laden deal.

Fans may say that’s healthy competition but for a team that’s had so much stability under center, having competition isn’t something they should be too thrilled about. They need a true leader under center, especially after having to make some serious cuts this offseason to make up for them over-spending at the end of brees’ career looking for another title.

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