NFC South Notebook: Falcons looking to reach deal with Jones; Davis to drive NASCAR pace car
Every Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the NFC South Notebook.
Carolina Panthers
Davis to drive pace car at Coca-Cola 600. Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis will drive the pace car at NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600. The event takes place May 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Rivera surprises cancer-stricken fan on 'Ellen'. Braylon Beam is a six-year-old boy who is a massive supporter of the Carolina Panthers. Beam is fighting through brain cancer, and Panthers coach Ron Rivera invited him to be the team's 'Keep Pounding' drummer during a game this season.
Panthers sign Funchess. The Panthers signed second-round pick Devin Funchess on Monday. Funchess was the final member of the 2015 draft class to sign with the club.
New Orleans Saints
Saints sign Anthony to 4-year deal. The New Orleans Saints signed linebacker Stephone Anthony to a four-year contract Tuesday. Anthony was selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Sharper's photo to be removed from Champions Square. A photo of Darren Sharper will be removed from Champions Square. Sharper confessed to raping multiple women and the photo of him celebrating a touchdown during Super Bowl XLIV will be erased.
Saints host Kevin Williams. The Saints hosted veteran defensive lineman Kevin Williams on Tuesday. Williams sports the versatility to play defensive end and tackle in a 3-4 scheme.
Atlanta Falcons
Falcons looking to reach deal with Jones. The Atlanta Falcons are looking to reach a long-term deal with wide receiver Julio Jones. Jones's contract runs through 2016 but is due for a massive extension after he finished third in receiving yards in 2014.
Seahawks' Irvin states he'll be a Falcon in 2016. An irate Bruce Irvin said he'd play for Atlanta after the end of the 2015 season. The Seattle Seahawks declined Irvin's fifth-year option and the edge rusher would be reunited with his former defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, if his threat plays out.
Falcons sign Polumbus. The Falcons signed offensive tackle Tyler Polumbus on Wednesday. Polumbus confirmed the signing via Twitter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bowden calls Winston an embarrassment to FSU. Former Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden said Jameis Winston was an embarrassment to the university. Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith responded the next day in defense of the former Heisman Trophy winner.
Buccaneers claim Swearinger off waivers. The Buccaneers claimed safety D.J. Swearinger off waivers Tuesday. Swearinger reportedly refused to play special teams for the Houston Texans, leading to his release.
Evan Smith explains name change. The man formerly known as Evan Dietrich-Smith is going by Evan Smith. Smith explained the decision to drop Dietrich from his name, explaining that he didn't want his daughter to have a hyphenated name for the rest of his life.