NFC South Morning Jog: Sharper Says Player Suspensions 'Not Warranted'

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.

New Orleans Saints

Chris Mortensen wrote Tuesday that it's "a virtual certainty" that Bill Parcells will not take over for Sean Payton to coach the Saints during Payton's one-year suspension.

In a radio interview on WWL AM 870 in New Orleans, Darren Sharper said he didn't feel suspensions were warranted for any of the Saints players. "I still don’t feel as though there is proof that guys received certain benefits from making dirty plays or making plays during the game," Sharper said.

Atlanta Falcons

Free-agent safety Madieu Williams had an offer from both Washington and Atlanta for the 2012 season. On Tuesday, Williams chose the Redskins, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter.

Louisiana-Lafayette tight end Ladarius Green recently worked out for Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and a host of Falcons scouts and coaches, according to Aaron Wilson.

Carolina Panthers

Veteran wide receiver Steve Smith signed a three-year contract extension on Tuesday. Here's his press conference to announce the signing. [Video]

Handing out grades on draft day is expected but not always easy or ever results-based. However, as Khaled Elsayed shows, giving draft grades for drafts in the past is a good use of time. Pro Football Focus looked at the past three drafts for the Panthers. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New Bucs head coach Greg Schiano sent a message Tuesday to his team with the release of safety Tanard Jackson—Schiano's in charge and players are going to have to give 100 percent to stay on this roster.

The message is important, but cutting Jackson leaves the Buccaneers thin at safety, said Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Mike Clay thinks Tampa Bay still needs to find a running back in the 2012 NFL draft. He offers suggestions.