3 free-agent moves from NFC South rivals that should worry Saints fans

2. Buccaneers retaining their core

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the NFC South in 2023, though, they had the same 9-8 record as the New Orleans Saints, and went 1-1 against New Orleans. Tiebreaker procedures crowned the Bucs division champions and sent them to the playoffs, where they were able to win a wild card game.

The successful season was big for the franchise and several veteran players who were in contract years. Those players could’ve very easily left Tampa Bay this offseason, in search of a perennial contender to join, or a massive bag. However, nearly all of the core veterans re-signed with the Buccaneers.

Mike Evans signed a two-year deal to stay around, Baker Mayfield re-signed for three years, Antoine Winfield Jr. signed a four-year deal, and Lavonte David is returning on a one-year deal. The band is back together.

That means the Buccaneers can pick up where they left off, immediately being competitive. They should be even better now as they go into a second year with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. With their continuity, the Buccaneers are definitely a threat to repeat as champions.