Signing quarterback Tom Brady has a direct impact on the Bucs and their expectations for this season. Brady’s arrival in Tampa Bay also affects the rest of the NFC South, who will now play against him twice a year in what should be a competitive division.

The New Orleans Saints have won the division for the past three seasons and could arguably have their biggest threat for first place with Brady here since the Panthers and Falcons both qualified for the wild card in 2017. Saints’ coach Sean Payton commented on having Brady in the NFC South and what he’ll bring to the Bucs on NOLA.com

“It was a great sign by Tampa,” Payton said. “This division has gotten a lot stronger. One of the great strengths a player like Tom has is those others around him get better.”

Brady has a 17-4 record against the NFC South for a .810 winning percentage, good for third highest in his career, albeit with smaller sample size. Including the postseason, Brady is 3-3 against the Panthers, 6-0 against the Falcons, 4-0 against the Bucs and 4-1 against the Saints, in addition to a 3-1 record over Drew Brees. The matchup of Brady against Brees and Matt Ryan are two of the most high profile quarterback matchups the NFL can get.

You can read the full story from Luke Johnson for more of Payton’s comments on Brady coming to the Bucs here.