32 53s: NFC South Pre-Training Camp 53-man Roster Projection
My initial roster projections for the Panthers, Saints, Bucs, and Falcons
Below, you can find my 53-man roster projection for the NFC North. You’re welcome to share my graphics wherever you please, just so long as you tag my social account or direct them back here! You can even share the graphic below and mark it up with any disagreements you might have! More info on my process can be found here.
Panthers
My model has Carolina with a league-high 35 roster locks. Even with a strong UDFA class, I would expect to see fewer interesting positional battles here than we’re seeing with other teams. The Panthers emphasized reloading their defensive line with a pair of day 2 draft picks and a couple free agents. The Panthers didn’t make any changes on the offensive line during the offseason. It is possible they’ll look to add a little depth in the secondary.
Saints
The Saints 2024 offseason started a relative slow down in cash spending in order to get their cap situation under control. Derek Carr bailed the team out (from a cap perspective) by retiring without $30m in recently vested salary guarantees. With the cap at the forefront, the Saints simply can’t be as aggressive as other teams in their window. While most of the cap moves were made in February and April, Taysom Hill’s 2025 injury may have prevented a decision on his future. He’s owed $10m this coming season, so he could be a candidate to be released or take a pay cut.
Buccaneers
Tampa Bay is bringing an uneven roster into their quest to take home their 5th straight division title. At positions like receiver, cornerback, and edge, Tampa has among the best depth in the league. There are other spots on the roster though that are much weaker. At linebacker (and now offensive tackle with Wirfs likely to miss time), the Bucs could stand to add another player that can at least provide depth.
Falcons
The Falcons are bringing a re-tooled defense into Michael Penix’s sophomore season, but are coming back with the same offense from 2024 (aside from Drew Dalman). Atlanta could stand to add some depth at running back, but should be able to operate with what they already have a most other spots.