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Identifying the biggest need for every NFC South team

Bob Donnan / USA TODAY Sports

theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering free agency.

AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Atlanta Falcons

Biggest need: Pass-rusher

Other needs: Defensive tackle, return specialist

The defending NFC champions enter 2017 in the most enviable position. There are still alterations to be made, however.

For starters, Vic Beasley could use some help in getting to the passer. The Falcons could very likely lose Dwight Freeney to either retirement or free agency and would need to replace the value he provides.

Atlanta will also need to shore up the run defense which ranked in the middle of the league. A premium run-stuffer is one of the team's few needs.

Lastly, the team got nothing out of the return game last year. A difference-maker could take some pressure off the offense, which carried Atlanta in 2016.

Potential free-agent targets: Calais Campbell can step right in and fill the void left by Freeney. The veteran had a stellar 2016, racking up eight sacks and forcing two fumbles.

(Photo courtesy: Reuters)

The Falcons could target former division rivals - Paul Soliai of the Panthers and Nick Fairley of the Saints.

Marc Mariani hasn't had a kick-return score since 2011, but he represents good value on the open market. Ted Ginn is another option.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Biggest need: Wide receiver

Other needs: Pass-rusher, safety

The Buccaneers also need to improve their offensive line, but their other needs are more pressing. Task No. 1 is to find a competent complement to pass-catching dynamo Mike Evans. Jameis Winston desperately needs another reliable target, preferably a burner that can stretch the field.

Tampa has spent plenty of draft capital trying to fill its hole at defensive end. Noah Spence. William Gholston. Steven Means. Adrian Clayborn. Da'Quan Bowers. Dare I go on? It needs to spend some of its $72 million in cap space on an immediate difference-maker.

The Bucs also have a gaping hole in the back end of their secondary. Keith Tandy is the only safety on contract. It's time to move on from placeholders like Tandy, Chris Conte, and Bradley McDougald and find the next quarterback of the secondary.

Potential free-agent targets: In a perfect world, the Bucs would land both DeSean Jackson and Anquan Boldin, but Jackson's volatile nature isn't the right fit for a young, impressionable team. Tampa would be better off finding the deep threat in the draft and adding Boldin as a reliable possession receiver for Winston.

(Photo courtesy: Getty)

The Bucs would also be justified in adding two defensive ends in free agency, ideally Campbell and Andre Branch to fill the pass-rushing void.

Tony Jefferson is likely off the table. Nate Allen could be had at a fraction of their price.

New Orleans Saints

Biggest need: Pass-rusher

Other needs: Cornerback, backup quarterback

The Saints need to begin, in earnest, preparing for life after Drew Brees. Luke McCown is their current backup quarterback, but they need to draft the quarterback of the future. Brees is 38 and entering his 17th season. Though he's still throwing for 5,000 yards per season, his career is winding down.

The most pressing need, however, is to find a pass-rusher. Sean Payton said so himself. The Saints ranked 27th in sacks last year, racking up 30 for the season.

Also of note, the debilitating injuries New Orleans suffered at cornerback in 2016. They're in immediate need of an influx of healthy corners.

Potential free-agent targets: The Saints will likely swing for the fences and target either top corners A.J. Bouye or Stephon Gilmore, but Morris Claiborne is more likely to fit within their tight budget.

(Photo courtesy: Getty)

The team is likely to keep McCown aboard and address its future at the quarterback position through the draft.

The Saints would have loved to steal a player like Mario Addison from their divisional rivals in Carolina, but the Panthers re-signed the 29-year-old defensive end. The Saints could instead turn their focus to players like Nick Perry and Jabaal Sheard in their search for an affordable edge-rushing presence.

Carolina Panthers

Biggest need: Cornerback

Other needs: Wide receiver, left tackle

The Panthers' biggest need is the same as last year's. Carolina spent three draft picks to try and shore up the cornerback position, and while the three rookies improved as the season wore on, the Panthers aren't built for James Bradberry, Daryl Worley, and Zack Sanchez to learn on the job. The team needs a veteran to handle Julio Jones, Mike Evans, and Brandin Cooks.

An expansion of the weapons at Cam Newton's disposal is also required. Currently, his top options are Kelvin Benjamin and an aging Greg Olsen. Secondary threats are a necessity.

Newton could use some protection as well. He was sacked 36 times last year and took a number of illegal hits that didn't register in a box score. Michael Oher's head injury is still a concern, giving heed for a new lead character on the blind side.

Potential free-agent targets: The Panthers made it clear last year they won't pay top dollar for a corner. Dre Kirkpatrick should come in in their price range.

(Photo courtesy: Reuters)

At wideout, Kelvin Benjamin would benefit from having Pierre Garcon on the other side of him and Newton could use another set of sure hands to throw to.

Andrew Whitworth is in need of a change of scenery and the Panthers could provide him with a starting opportunity at left tackle and a chance at winning a ring.

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