NFC South Review: Tom Brady’s arrival changes the landscape

Let’s review the major moves around the division since the start of free agency.

Saints bring back star safety

Malcolm Jenkins
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay may be coming up, but New Orleans is still the team to beat in this division. The Saints have bolstered their defense by bringing back safety Malcolm Jenkins, who they drafted back in 2009. During his time with the Eagles (2014-2019) Jenkins developed into one of the top safeties in the league. Signing him to a four-year, $32 million deal is a steal and makes what was already a strong secondary that much better.

The Saints have also re-signed Drew Brees and Taysom Hill, solidifying their quarterback rotation after seeing their top backup Teddy Bridgewater go to the Panthers. They have also retained defensive tackle David Onyemata on a relatively team-friendly three-year, $27 million deal.

New Orleans has also lost former Panthers linebacker A.J. Klein, who signed with the Bills (of course). Cornerback Eli Apple is also on his way out, agreeing to a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Don’t expect to see many more moves from the Saints, who only have around $5.6 million in salary cap space left according to Over the Cap. This gives the Bucs an opening to really make up ground depending on who they bring in over the next few weeks and how well they do in the 2020 draft.