CHARLOTTE — Nothing changes the topography of the NFL like free agency. While the draft brings in a new, unproven class of rookies, free agency adds established veterans to a different team, immediately making an impact on the roster.

The Panthers made several moves in their own free agency class, highlighted by reportedly agreeing to terms with pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. But some of the biggest news for the Panthers came in the form of who they no longer have to face in the division.

Let's explore how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints have changed this week in Around the NFC South: Free Agency edition.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A legend trades one Bay Area for another

The Bucs said goodbye to a legend this free agency season. Receiver Mike Evans, after 12 years in Tampa Bay, will play for a new team for the first time in his career. The veteran is reportedly signing a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

Tampa Bay issued statements from general manager Jason Licht, head coach Todd Bowles, and the Glazer family, who own the team, expressing thanks for Evans's storied career, which saw him surpass the 1,000-yard mark 11 times in his 12 seasons with the Krewe. The one year he didn't reach the mark, Evans played only eight games due to injury.

On the other side of the ball, Tampa Bay lost corner Jamel Dean, who is reportedly signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In seven years with Tampa Bay, Dean played in 96 games, starting 77. He's pulled in 11 interceptions during that time, including two returned for a touchdown, while averaging 51.2 tackles per year.

The Bucs reportedly shored up the middle of their defense, bringing in veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone. The longtime starter has been in the division before—he spent four years with the New Orleans Saints—before spending the last five seasons with the Detroit Lions. He's averaged 98 tackles a season with the Lions and pulled in three interceptions over the last five years.

One of the first moves the Bucs made was to re-sign tight end Cade Otton. He spent his first four years in Tampa Bay, averaging 586 yards a year the last two seasons, and 2.5 touchdowns over those two seasons as well.

While Tampa Bay was willing to let Rachaad White walk, the club reportedly agreed to a deal with Kenneth Gainwell. The former Pittsburgh Steeler had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage last season (537 yards on the ground, 486 receiving yards). Gainwell spent his first four years with the Philadelphia Eagles.

All new free agent additions for the Bucs:

• • LB Alex Anzalone
  • RB Kenneth Gainwell

Atlanta Falcons: A new QB in town, productive RB moves on

The Falcons made a series of free agency moves, including reportedly agreeing with veteran kicker Nick Folk. But the class was headlined by Tua Tagovailoa. The longtime Miami Dolphins passer will be officially released today and will be able to officially sign now with the Falcons after reportedly agreeing to a one-year deal earlier in the week.

Tagovailoa will presumably be the backup quarterback to Michael Penix Jr. Still, as the Falcons await Penix's timeline to recovery after tearing his ACL in Week 11 last season, there is a chance Tagovailoa could start the beginning of the season. Tagovailoa spent six seasons in Miami, starting 76 games. Over that time, he averaged a 68 percent completion rate, for 18,166 yards, and 120 touchdowns to 59 interceptions.

The Falcons had already announced in February that quarterback Kirk Cousins would be released with a post-June 1 designation.

Running back Tyler Allgeier, who has long been a productive counterpart to Bijan Robinson in Atlanta, will now head west to the Arizona Cardinals. Allgeier spent four seasons with the Falcons. His rookie season saw him top the 1,000-yard mark, and he averaged 848 all-purpose yards a season, with a total of 20 touchdowns.

Linebacker Kaden Ellis is leaving Atlanta after three years with the Falcons. He had career years all three seasons, with 11 tackles for loss in 2023, 151 tackles in 2024, and an interception with six passes defensed in 2025.

All new free agent additions for the Falcons:

• • QB Tua Tagovailoa
  • WR Olamide Zaccheaus
  • P Jake Bailey
  • K Nick Folk
  • WR Jahan Dotson
  • TE Austin Hooper
  • DE Cameron Thomas

New Orleans Saints: Two major defenders leave the Crescent City, as Etienne's brother joins the division

Two major contributors on the Saints' defense are now heading elsewhere. Linebacker Demario Davis and corner Alontae Taylor are both leaving the NFC South. Davis is joining the New York Jets, and Alontae Taylor will be a Tennessee Titan.

Davis has had a storied 14-year career thus far, the last eight of which were spent in New Orleans. He was drafted by the Jets in 2012, and this will be his third stint with New York. While with the Saints, Davis averaged 119.25 tackles per season, 8.13 quarterback hits per season, and hauled in three interceptions.

Taylor has been in New Orleans for four years, averaging 73.25 tackles a season as a corner and 13 passes defensed a season. Over those four seasons, he hauled in four interceptions, had 7.0 sacks, and forced three fumbles. Three of his seven sacks were against the Panthers in one game.

The Saints are reportedly bringing home running back Travis Etienne. The longtime Jaguars playmaker wanted to return to Louisiana, and his addition to the Saints means he will now play in the same division as his brother, Panthers running back Trevor Etienne. While in Jacksonville, the former first-rounder posted three 1,000-yard-plus seasons on the ground, while also adding a threat in the short passing game. Over four years, he's averaged 1,284 scrimmage yards a year.

After leaving Atlanta, Kaden Ellis is returning to the Saints, the team that drafted him in 2019, and where he previously spent four seasons.

In the midst of free agency signings, New Orleans agreed to trade punter Kai Kroeger to the Texans, and are adding former Vikings punter Ryan Wright.

Longtime defensive lineman Cameron Jordan is reportedly going to test the free agency market.

All new free agent signings for the Saints:

• • RB Travis Etienne
  • G David Edwards
  • DT John Ridgeway
  • LB Kaden Ellis
  • TE Noah Fant