Key NFC South Players Entering Free-Agency

Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) is congratulated after he sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) is congratulated after he sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) is congratulated after he sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) is congratulated after he sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers, Saints and Panthers will all be watching the playoffs from home while the Falcons have secured the 2nd seed in the NFC and will be moving into the post-season. While three of them will be getting a head start, all will need to give serious thought to who they bring back for 2017.

Just about every year sees a new team win the NFC South, and while the Buccaneers faded a bit at the end, everyone better believe they think they’ll be the next team to wear the crown.

For the Panthers and Saints, it’s not re-building time, it’s keep building time. Just like every renovation though, a little bit of the current structure is retained to help sturdy the new additions as they look to achieve the ultimate goal of building a Super Bowl winning franchise.

It seems every season we see a player who vacates their previous squad and finds big success in their new one. The Bucs are no stranger to this phenomenon as Aqib Talib and LeGarrette Blount have both gone on to win championships following their time in Tampa.

Some teams in this division have benefited from the same occurrence however, as New Orleans can undoubtedly call themselves the winners of the San Diego Chargers’ decision to let Drew Brees walk in favor of the still ring-less Philip Rivers.

Future history is made in the decisions of today. Which names will be tied to the NFC South’s future? Here are a few possibilities.

Schedule