NFC South Morning Jog: NFLPA, League to Discuss Punishment for Saints Players

Each morning, I like to start the day off with a workout—usually a morning jog. I can clear my head, plan my day, and think about what's going on around the NFC South.

Each day I'll spread the wealth about news and goings-on in the division, sharing my insights and linking to some of the best coverage out there.

I'm not going to link to every piece of news out there, but if I find a unique slant I'm using it. If I have passed something up that you feel should have been included, you can find me on Twitter (where I spend about 30 hours a day), or leave a comment here.

Enjoy!

New Orleans Saints

We still don't know when or if the Saints players involved in bounty program in New Orleans will be punished. Jim Trotter said on Saturday that the NLFPA and the league will meet on Tuesday to discuss the matter, as the league wants input from the NFLPA prior to making any decisions. [Update: The new plan is for Goodell and the NFLPA to meet Monday, according to Albert Breer]

Also to be heard on Tuesday is head coach Sean Payton's appeal to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Payton has been suspended for an entire season for his direct responsibility for the bounty program in New Orleans. Mike Freeman posted that Bill Parcells has been polling close friends about coming out of retirement to take over for Payton this season and he's also quietly been talking to Saints coaches about the transition from Payton to Parcells,

The NFLPA has hired outside counsel in case any of the Saints players involved in the New Orleans bounty program are brought up on criminal charges.

Carolina Panthers

Joe Person compared the moves Carolina is making this offseason to those of last year. While last year was about "big splashes", the moves made recently are all about filling needs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay corner Ronde Barber is back with the Bucs, and Joe Soriano takes a look at the details of Barber's new contract.

Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has to improve in 2012 after a less-than-stellar performance in 2001, right? One line of thinking is that to succeed, Freeman simply has to cut down on his interceptions. The addition of wide receiver Vincent Jackson should help.

Atlanta Falcons

Falcons defensive end John Abraham told Sean Jensen that at least one other NFL team offered the pass rusher more money than the three-year, $16 million deal he signed with Atlanta. However, Abraham put family first and re-signed with the Falcons.