NFC South Morning Jog: Steve Smith's New Contract Frees Panthers Cap Space

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.

Carolina Panthers

The good news about wide receiver Steve Smith's new three-year contract extension is that it will allow him to likely finish his career in Carolina and it keeps a big target available for young quarterback Cam Newton. The great news, according to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer, is that it frees up nearly $5 million in cap space for the Panthers.

Steve Smith's new contract is not only cap friendly, it guarantees the receiver $18 million, Joe Person tweeted.

New Orleans Saints

Bill Parcells said Wednesday that he did want to help Sean Payton, but in the end he just didn't want to make a return to coaching.

Drew Brees has been pretty guarded about talking about his contract negotiations and the Saints trouble with the bounty program, but he did answer some questions for Shaun O'Neill of Fox Sports.

Atlanta Falcons

For the past two seasons—I think that's how long the twitter explosion's been going on—quarterback Matt Ryan has sworn he'd never create a twitter account. Apparently, tight end Tony Gonzalez and Ryan's wife finally talked him into it. @M_Ryan02 has officially started his tweeting career.

There was a rumor last year that the Falcons were considered, but now it looks like HBO might have made an official offer. According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, The Falcons have been offered the starring role in HBO's "Hard Knocks."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Now that the Buccaneers have cut safety Tanard Jackson, the team must find a way to replace him. Roy Cummings, of the Tampa Tribune, wrote about some options already on the roster, and taking a look at Notre Dame free safety Harrison Smith in the upcoming draft.

Caleb Abner is certain the Bucs need help at running back, but thinks it might be better for the team to pass on a first-round option like Alabama's Trent Richardson and wait until later to pick someone up in the middle of the draft.