Offseason Outlook: Key Roster Questions Loom for Buccaneers, Panthers, and Falcons
As the NFL offseason heats up, teams across the NFC South are already deep into roster evaluations and tough decisions. From veteran stars considering their futures to young players eyeing expanded roles, the Buccaneers, Panthers, and Falcons each have pivotal personnel moves on the horizon. Let’s break down where things stand.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Evans’ Future Still in Play
Mike Evans has been the heartbeat of the Buccaneers’ offense for a decade, and by all indications, he’s still got plenty left in the tank. According to his agent, Deryk Gilmore, Evans came into this past season in phenomenal shape-possibly the best of his career-and finished it feeling healthier than he has in years. That’s not just encouraging for Evans’ camp; it’s a signal to the rest of the league that the veteran wideout isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Gilmore pointed to Evans’ competitive fire as a driving force behind his desire to keep playing, and it’s easy to see why. Evans has built a reputation as one of the most consistent and productive receivers in the league, and his presence in Tampa Bay’s locker room remains invaluable. While his contract situation will naturally be a storyline this offseason, the tone from his camp suggests he’s not ready to walk away from the game just yet.
Carolina Panthers: Decisions Loom on Key Free Agents
The Panthers enter the offseason with more questions than answers, especially when it comes to retaining some of their key contributors. At the top of the list is running back Rico Dowdle.
After splitting carries with Chuba Hubbard, Dowdle may be looking for a new home where he can take on a feature-back role. He showed flashes of potential and versatility, and there’s a sense he could thrive in a system that gives him more consistent touches.
Another area of focus for Carolina is the offensive line-specifically the center position. Injuries hit the unit hard this past season, with both Ikem Ekwonu and Brady Christensen missing time.
That makes retaining C Cade Mays a logical move. Mays stepped up when needed and could offer some continuity in a group that’s been anything but stable.
Speaking of Christensen, his future is also up in the air. He’s wrapping up a one-year deal and coming off another injury, but his versatility along the line could make him a candidate for a short-term extension.
Defensively, the Panthers are weighing whether to bring back linebacker Christian Rozeboom. He’s been a solid depth piece, but with D.J. Wonnum potentially on the way out-and considering Carolina invested second- and third-round picks in pass rushers last year-the team may be looking to get younger and faster on the edge.
A few other names to keep an eye on: safety Nick Scott, offensive linemen Yoshua Nijman and Austin Corbett, and veteran punter Sam Martin. All could factor into the team’s depth planning, especially if they’re willing to return on team-friendly deals.
Atlanta Falcons: Quiet for Now, But Moves Are Coming
While the Falcons haven’t made major headlines just yet, they’re another NFC South team with plenty of decisions ahead. From quarterback to pass rush, Atlanta has several areas they’ll need to address, either through free agency or the draft. As the offseason progresses, expect the Falcons to become more active in shaping the next phase of their roster.
Bottom Line
For the Buccaneers, it starts with Mike Evans-an all-time franchise great who still looks like he has more chapters to write. In Carolina, the focus is on building a more stable core around Bryce Young, and that means making smart calls on players like Dowdle, Mays, and Christensen. As for Atlanta, the silence won’t last long.
The NFC South is in flux, and how these teams handle their internal free agents could go a long way in determining who rises-and who stays stuck-in 2026.