It’s been a whirlwind of moves the past two weeks for the Bucs. First, Tom Brady announced he is returning for a 23rd season. That was followed by re-signings of key starters, Ryan Jensen and Carlton Davis. Chris Godwin was also locked up on a long-term deal after being tagged for a second straight year. While the Bucs lost guard Alex Cappa and safety Jordan Whitehead, general manager Jason Licht was quick to act. First he traded a 2022 fifth round pick for Patriots guard Shaq Mason. He then pounced on defensive back Logan Ryan once he was cut by the Giants.

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: USA Today

Licht also made a splash in free agency when he signed former Falcons receiver Russell Gage to a three-year deal. Gage gives the Bucs a legitimate No. 3 option that has the versatility to play inside and outside. Not done, Leonard Fournette and William Gholston were also brought back into the fold. So was Aaron Stinnie, Josh Wells and Breshad Perriman. The Bucs also added former Bengals tackle Fred Johnson to the offensive line competition.

There a still a few holes on the roster, but two of those could be shored up with the return of Rob Gronkowski and Ndamukong Suh. With more moves to come and the NFL Draft in April, the Bucs are set up not only to be NFC South Champions but legit Super Bowl contenders.

While the Bucs have had all the cards fall their way, the same can’t be said about the other teams in the NFC South.

Atlanta Falcons

It’s been one of those offseasons for the Falcons. First, Deshaun Watson chose the Browns. Then the team traded Matt Ryan for only a third round pick. All while absorbing the highest dead cap hit in NFL history at over $40 million! Now Atlanta has to hope the remedy for their ailment is Marcus Mariota.

Bucs DT Ndamukong Suh and Falcons QB Matt Ryan – Photo by: USA Today

The Falcons have virtually no wide receivers in their offense, thanks in part to Calvin Ridley Jr.’s suspension for betting on an NFL game. They did bring back Cordarrelle Patterson, but haven’t addressed an offensive line that was amongst the worst in the league. Atlanta also lost some key players in LB Foyesade Oluokun, Gage and EDGE Dante Fowler. They also brought in veteran corner Casey Hayward to pair with rising star A.J. Terrell.

Key losses: QB Matt Ryan (trade), WR Russell Gage, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., LB Foye Oluokun, LS Josh Harris

Key gains: QB Marcus Mariota, EDGE Lorenzo Carter, CB Casey Hayward

Carolina Panthers

Another NFC South team, and another failed trade attempt for Deshaun Watson. Unlike the Falcons and Saints, the Panthers didn’t have much of a backup plan. The Sam Darnold trade didn’t work out last season, but he’ll likely return as Carolina’s starter in 2022.

Bucs ILB Devin White and DE Will Gholston and Panthers QB Sam Darnold – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Panthers lost several key starters, but were very active in free agency. They re-signed some of their own in TE Ian Thomas and CBs Donte Jackson and Rashaan Melvin, while bringing in some solid additions on offense and defense. Safety Xavier Woods should slot in well next to Jeremy Chinn and OL Bradley Bozeman should give their offensive line a boost. However, none of these moves make them a contender in the NFC South.

Key losses: LB Jermaine Carter, RB Ameer Abdullah, OLB Haason Reddick, DT DaQuan Jones, CB Stephon Gilmore*

Key gains: LB Cory Littleton, P Johnny Hekker, C Bradley Bozeman, DT Matthew Ioannidis, LB Damien Wilson, WR Rashard Higgins, RB D’Onta Foreman, OG Austin Corbett, S Xavier Woods

New Orleans Saints

The biggest threat to the Bucs repeating as NFC South champs are the Saints. Also dismissed by Watson, New Orleans quickly reacted by re-signing former Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston to a 2-year deal. Winston led the Saints to a 4-2 record last season before an ACL tear, against Tampa Bay no less, sidelined him for the season. In that time he threw for 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions. While there are still question marks, he provides the Saints a stable option at the QB spot.

Bucs S Mike Edwards and Saints QB Jameis Winton – Photo by: USA Today

Perhaps the biggest blow to the Saints though will come from the loss of All-Pro tackle Terron Armstead. Replacing him will be a tall task, longtime backup James Hurst will slide into his spot. They also lost safety Marcus Williams, but brought in Marcus Maye who is coming off a torn achilles injury. New Orleans receiver group needs a lot of help as well. Tre’Quan Smith re-signed, but Michael Thomas missed all of last year with injury. The Saints should target a wideout in the draft or free agency to pair with him. If Jameis can continue his turnover-free play, with the defense mostly intact, the Saints will surely be in the thick of it.

Key losses: LT Terron Armstead, S Marcus Williams

Key gains: DL Kentavius Street, S Marcus Maye, QB Andy Dalton