NFC South news update

Article by Matt King

 

his week in the NFC South, it has been confirmed that Chris Chester has signed a one year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Also new coach Dan Quinn has been talking about the starting Running back battle between Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Quinn told NFL Radio reporters that “they are absolutely battling” for the job. It might be early days so far, but whoever wins the job come August, could be an asset on many Fantasy teams, and under Shanahan [whose previous successes came Alfred Morris at Washington, and last season’s dynamic duo of Isiah Crowell and Terrance West, Browns] via Wesseling of NFL.Com.

 

Over in New Orleans, the Saints have extended Cameron Jordan for [up to] $60m across five years. [NFL.Com]. It’s [ironically enough] five years since the Saints won it all, and QB Drew Brees has seen many different personnel but has been unable to add his lone ring [which he won in 2010]. It took the Saints 21 years to record their first winning season in franchise history [after their inception] and five years before the Saints won the Super Bowl, the city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The Saints are a team that know how to rebound from adversity and have plenty of pieces in place to potentially rebound in 2015.

Over in Tampa Bay, Number One [overall] pick Jameis Winston has been seeing reps with the Buccs 2^nd string squad. To some, this could be an indication of who will suit up when the season starts in September, but head coach Lovie Smith stated that he “will make Winston earn the starting job, and later concluded Jameis is getting his first team reps also, don’t look too much into that” he told the Tampa Bay Times. Winston himself told reporters “the main thing is to earn the respect of all the players out here”.
While OTAs took place over the last week, Demar Dotson missed them over a contract dispute, despite being signed through 2016. Dotson was by far the best defensive player in 2014 [on the Buccs] which doesn’t tell us much about their prospects in 2015.

 

Finally, over in Carolina, fresh off signing a $103.8M contract extension, Cam Newton told reporters that “nothing about this contract changes my approach to the game”. Head coach Rivera stated “In the back of your mind, it’s not about money”. Rivera also spoke about being asked if he thought the money would change him and he responded “No, he already had money with the rookie contract and endorsements.  It won’t change him”