NFC South Team Needs: Panthers seeking tweaks, rivals have bigger holes

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

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

Atlanta Falcons

Biggest need: Wide receiver

Other needs: Tight end, offensive line, pass-rusher, linebacker

The Falcons need to add talent at almost every position group on both sides of the ball, but no need stands out as more glaring than at wideout. No skill position players was more crucial to his offense in 2015 than Julio Jones, who led the NFL in receptions despite facing constant double teams. The Falcons have to add at least one more viable receiving threat for Matt Ryan to throw to - especially following the recent release of veteran Roddy White. That can come at wide reciever, tight end, or, ideally, both spots.

On defense, the Falcons should proceed as if Vic Beasley can't be counted on to have a breakout sophomore season. Adding pass-rushing help, whether it comes at linebacker or on the defensive line, is essential.

Potential free-agent targets: Travis Benjamin would add an element of speed the Falcons have sorely lacked at receiver. Benjamin is also an adept return man and his signing would allow the Falcons to move on from Devin Hester.

Bruce Irvin is an obvious fit on defense and was rumored to be pushing for a trade to the Falcons a year ago. Dan Quinn coached Irvin in Seattle and might relish the chance to reunite him without giving up any trade assets.

Carolina Panthers

Biggest need: Offensive tackle

Other needs: Wide receiver, running back, cornerback, defensive end

The Panthers went 15-1 and progressed all the way to the Super Bowl with Michael Oher and Mike Remmers as bookend tackles, but the house of cards fell apart against the Denver Broncos' relentless pass rush. Upgrading Remmers' spot at right tackle is a must.

Kelvin Benjamin's return from a torn ACL will alleviate much of the Panthers' need of a wide receiver, but Cam Newton would benefit greatly from having another talented pass-catcher added to his arsenal. The same can be said about the backfield, where perpetual injury risk Jonathan Stewart will be one year closer to 30.

Bene Bewhiskered will be back to his corner back spot opposite Josh Norman, but the position could still use an injection of depth. After Benwikere and Charles Tillman (who likely won't be back) were injured last season, cornerback became a clear weak spot.

Potential free-agent targets: Mitchell Schwartz is probably the top right tackle available in free agency, but he might be a little out of the Panthers' price range. Perhaps the team will consider a short-term "prove it deal" for a tackle with some question marks, like Andre Smith.

Running back will likely be addressed in the draft, but the Panthers could consider adding a veteran like Chris Johnson or Reggie Bush if they can get him at a steep discount.

New Orleans Saints

Biggest need: Defensive end

Other needs: Defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback, guard

The Saints were historically bad on defense in 2015 and will likely have a difficult time plugging their holes. They can thank general manager Mickey Loomis for that. His history of pushing financial obligations into the future has left the Saints with a dire salary-cap situation.

Defensive line is the biggest need. The Saints couldn't rush the passer or stop the run last season and need upgrades at both end and tackle.

They need help at the next two levels of the defense, too. None of the team's recent signings at linebacker has panned out, and the secondary continues to underwhelm.

Potential free-agent targets: The Saints don't have the cash to go after big-name defensive linemen like Mario Williams or Jason Pierre-Paul, so look for them to go bargain hunting in the secondary and tertiary free-agent market. Perhaps Adrian Clayborn, a familiar face from his days with the Buccaneers, would be an affordable fit.

At linebacker and cornerback, reclamation projects will likely be all the Saints can afford. One player to watch is former St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, in whom the Saints reportedly have interest.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Biggest need: Running back

Other needs: Cornerback, defensive end, offensive line

Should Doug Martin depart in free agency, running back could shoot up to the top of the Buccaneers' list of needs. The team's front office has talked up backup Charles Sims as a potential three-down player, but it's difficult to believe Sims can replace Martin's 321 combined touches in 2015 without losing effectiveness. Re-signing Martin should be a priority.

Cornerback is a major need regardless of what happens on offense. Recent big-money acquisition Alterraun Verner wasn't an abject bust, but he wasn't much better. A pass-rusher would be a welcome addition, too, but there aren't many teams for whom that isn't true.

The Buccaneers made upgrading the offensive line a priority last offseason, but the unit still needs improving.

Potential free-agent targets: If retaining Martin is ruled out, the Buccaneers could turn their attention to a cheaper veteran tailback to ease the transition to Sims. Arian Foster, Alfred Morris, and James Starks could be options.

At cornerback, a player like Sean Smith or Janoris Jenkins would be a nice, albeit expensive, addition.

There are a number of intriguing pass-rushers who could thrive lining up next to Gerard McCoy. Among them are Tamba Hali, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon, who received the transition tag but can negotiate with other teams.