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Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from Friday’s NFC South chat.

Free (Pittsburgh): Hey Pat, sort of glad tampa got rid of Winslow because he developed the Antonio Bryant, me first syndrome. I know that we are suppose be a run first team as we always say, but I am expecting big thing from Freeman and Mike Williams. Do you think that both can return to the 2010 form?

Pat Yasinskas: Possible on both. I definitely think Freeman can bounce back. Williams might have been humbled by last year and might come back better. He also might be helped by having Vincent Jackson taking up defensive attention.

Scott (Maine): If the falcons give matt ryan full control of offence I believe with the talet he has he could throw over 4500 yards your thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas: If they let him throw enough, I think that's certainly possible. He's got some great targets in Roddy, Julio and Gonzalez and they might even get some pass receiving yards out of Jacquizz Rodgers this year.

Tom Cruise (Crazy Town): If Cam throws for 4,500 years, but misses the playoffs, will critics still praise him so highly? Personally, I see Alex Smith's point. Stats look great on paper, but wins mean more.

Pat Yasinskas: I see his point too. But why say that publicly if you're Alex Smith?

Eric (Paris, Fr.): Do you feel it's Doug Martin's job to lose or shall we see Blount have the same amount of carries in bucs backfield?

Pat Yasinskas: Blount will still play a role, but my guess is his total carries will drop.

J. White (Georgia): Lots of negative stuff on Atlanta paper's website about Coach Smith being Falcon's problem. That's a pretty big turnaround isn't it?

Pat Yasinskas: Well, he lost his layer of insulation when the coordinators left. The pressure is squarely on him until he wins a playoff game ...or two.

Ryan (Raleigh NC): Pat are the Saints waiting for the bounty gate blow to over then sign Drew Brees to a long term contract to start the season off on a positive note

Pat Yasinskas: I don't think there's any big conspiracy or plot behind it. I think both sides simply just can't agree on a contract -- yet.

Ben (Atlanta): Pat after Kuechly, who would you rate as the most exciting pick the panthers have gotten in 2012?

Pat Yasinskas: Joe Adams because he seems to have the potential to be explosive as a receiver and return man.

Brandon (Lafayette,La) [via mobile]: Are the Saints moving Martez Wilson to de full time or just situationally and is this year that Scott Shanle is moved to his rightfull spot as a back up ?

Pat Yasinskas: They say they're experimenting with Wilson. My guess is he'll be at DE. They've got a whole bunch of LBs now. I think Shanle could end up as backup even if Wilson is at DE.

Sean (NO): What?s the deadline for signing Brent Grimes to a long term deal? That could definitely help out the cap in signing salary cap casualties later.

Pat Yasinskas: July 16 for all franchise players.

Mort (Rural Hall, NC): Any guess who will ultimately win the #2 corner job in Carolina?

Pat Yasinskas: Munnerlyn for now. But, like I said earlier, don't be surprised if Brandon Hogan becomes a factor.

Dale ( Union, MS ) [via mobile]: Who's probable to replace Will Smith, has there been any talk of trying to sign ir trade for defensive line and when abouts will you be covering some of the Saints workouts/camps? Thanks.

Pat Yasinskas: Think they're serious about giving Wilson and Romeus good looks and that might be the answer. Believe I'll be at Saints minicamp June 5 and 6.

Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.

I know it’s a holiday weekend, so I’d like to take this opportunity to let you know that the NFC South chat still will be held Friday.

We’ll kick it off at 1 p.m. ET and chat for a full hour. We’ve had some interesting developments in offseason workouts so there should be plenty to talk about on all four teams.

Here’s your free ticket into Friday’s NFC South chat.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from Friday’s NFC South chat.

Ryan (Charlotte): Regression or Progression. Which will be the theme for Cam Newton next year.

Pat Yasinskas: I see progress. He's got a full offseason with the coaches and the play book this time around.

Chris (taylor): Saw you just made the article about the lawsuit. Article 43 section 1 states that per agreement, Vilma can only take grievance with the NFl, not the legal system. Do you think that the case will be thrown out?

Pat Yasinskas: Again, I'm no legal expert. But Munson is our legal expert and he said he believes there is a good chance it will get dismissed.

Bryant (Virginia): what are the bucs expecting to get out of McCoy/Price? Do you expect them to have big years?

Pat Yasinskas: They both have flashed promise when they've been healthy. But there's no denying this will be a crucial season for McCoy. He needs to stay healthy and start reaching his potential.

RossMcR (Glasgow, Scotland): Pat, I am not too concerned about the Brees lack of talks with Saints at this point however I do expect them to ramp up now! When do you expect this to get resolved??

Pat Yasinskas: Deadline to sign franchise players to long-term deals is July 16. I'm guessing it will play out pretty close to the deadline.

Kris (One Buc, FL): Who do you see having a better year? Freeman or Matt Ryan?

Pat Yasinskas: Hmmm, I'll say Ryan. I think Freeman will be much better than last year. But I think Ryan might really take a big step up in their new offense.

Brian (Baton Rouge): Much has been made of the Saints' "lack of depth" at DE this offseason. I think both Junior Gallette and Greg Romeus have a chance to blossom under Spags' guidance. Your thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, bringing up Romeus is a good point. He's supposed to be healthy and I think he could be a player. Gallette definitely has some raw talent and could be helped by Spags.

Tony (Richmond, CA): Will Mike Smith & Matt Ryan get over the hump this year and finally win a playoff game? If not, do questions begin swirling around the coach and his ability to take Atlanta to the next level?

Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, I think it's pretty obvious this is a crucial year for Smith. He needs to win a playoff game. Not saying he'll be fired if he doesn't, but the pressure is definitely on.

Scott (maine): when its all said and done who do you see playing oline for falcons?

Pat Yasinskas: I say Hawley at center with Konz and Blalock at guards. Clabo at RT. And this probably isn't what you want to hear ...but Baker at LT. I think they're serious about sticking with him -- for better or worse.

Here’s the complete transcript of the NFC South chat.

Just a quick reminder that the NFC South chat is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Friday.

We’ll be chatting about the Falcons, Panthers, Saints and Buccaneers. So gather up your questions and join us.

Here’s the link to get you into the chat.

The player suspensions have been announced in the New Orleans Saints’ bounty program and it will probably be a bit before we start hearing about appeals. That’s why I’m going to use this opportunity to squeeze in a little down time.

I’ll be off this week. But keep an eye on the blog because our editors will be posting links and videos and anything else related to the NFC South. There will be no NFC South chat this Friday. I won’t be that far out of pocket, so, if Drew Brees and the Saints work out a long-term contract or something else major happens in the division, I may jump back in.

If not, I’ll be back May 14.

The New Orleans Saints and the continuing fallout from their bounty program was the dominant topic in Friday’s NFC South chat. But there were plenty of other topics that came up -- Drew Brees’ contract situation, Tampa Bay’s fresh start under Greg Schiano, hope for a better season from Atlanta’s Ray Edwards and Carolina rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly also were discussed.

Let’s take a look at the highlights:

Agentsaturn (Pantherland): Hey Pat, So whats the word on Jacoby Jones visiting the Panthers? Are they really looking for a FA receiver at this point?

Pat Yasinskas: Hurney doesn't bring guys in if he doesn't have some interest in them. Still, haven't heard any word on if they made him an offer or not.

Matt [via mobile]: Man what is the deal with Drew Brees. He made me a saints fan when I wasn't one I thought he's was one on the few good ones left and a true team mate. I know everybody wants to get paid but to me now it's become pride and pure greed with him. When is 20 million not enough? Thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas: I still think it will get done before too long. If he's not there for start of training camp, then I think it's fair to start pointing fingers. But, right now, it's just typical negotiating.

Matthew (Sarasota, Florida): How do you feel about the new Tampa regime now that free agency and the draft are over?

Pat Yasinskas: Like just about everything they've done. I also like the atmosphere Schiano is creating. Have you seen the tv commercial with him? I think it pretty much sums up the attitude he's trying to bring.

Matt (North Carolina): A lot of people criticized the Panthers for not drafting a DT (and gave them lower grades because of it). Does everyone forget about Ron Edwards coming back this year?

Pat Yasinskas: Excellent point. I think a lot of people have forgotten about Edwards. He was a big free-agent signing last year and Panthers obviously believe he will come back and be a force.

Corey babineaux (Louisiana): Everybody thinking the saints wool suffer this year because of suspensions. The offense will still put up 30+ a game and withe the additions the defense will be better. Your thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas: I think they still are very much a contender. We all know the offense is good. If Spagnuolo can get them to play a little defense, they could go a long way.

Stacey (AZ): I'm a bit confused over coach Vitt's suspension. Many have stated that Vitt will return after the Saints' bye week. This falls one game short of the suspension. Is Vitt's suspension in terms of weeks or games? If it is games then that would mean he doesn't return until two weeks after the bye. Can you clarify?

Pat Yasinskas: He is suspended for the first six games. Loomis is suspended for the first eight. It's about games, not weeks.

bird brain atl [via mobile]: who will the falcons use for a punt returner now that Weems is gone?

Pat Yasinskas: Excellent question and I think that will be decided in training camp. Dominiuqe Franks, Harry Douglas and Jacquizz Rodgers would seem like possibilities.

Kirk (Myrtle Beach): Was Kuechly drafted as insurance more for Beason or Davis. It was originally thought to be Davis, but Schefter's report about Achilles tendons taking 2 years to get back to normal makes me think Beason.

Pat Yasinskas: I think Kuechly was drafted there mostly because he was best player available. But, yeah the uncertainty about Davis and Beason certainly factors in. They got wiped out at LB last year and can't afford to have that happen again.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga): After a mediocre season Ray Edwards has all but disappeared from the discussion as a pass rush threat. Have the Falcons completely lost hope that Edwards can reach his potential?

Pat Yasinskas: I think they hope he'll step up this year. They've talked a little about how his knee wasn't healthy last year. Plus, I think Ray was a little embarrassed by last year and should be motivated.

Greg (Watertown, CT): Shouldn't we be including Asante Samuel in the Falcons' draft evaluations? And doesn't that make their draft look better?

Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, I think you could make that argument. He certainly makes their secondary better. He also should help their pass rush because QBs may be holding onto the ball for an extra split second or two.

Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.

Now that the player punishments in the Saints’ bounty program have been announced, it looks like we finally have a quiet Friday in the NFC South. So let’s break the silence.

The NFC South chat was scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET.

But I’m going to head over there right now and get it started. Here’s the link to join us if you can.

It may be the middle of the offseason, but there’s a lot to talk about in the NFC South.

The NFL draft and the fallout from the suspensions of players in the Saints’ bounty program still are pretty fresh. Some teams are looking at what’s left in free agency now that the draft is over and minicamps are coming up.

We can talk about all that and more in Friday’s NFC South chat, which starts at 1 p.m. ET. Here’s your ticket into the chat.

This should be one of the more entertaining days of the offseason.

The NFL draft starts Thursday night and here’s the game plan. I plan to head out to One Buccaneer Place in the early evening to get settled in.

You’ll be able to chat with the eight division bloggers and others in Countdown Live, starting at 7 p.m. ET. The draft starts an hour later.

I’ll be with you steadily until Tampa Bay makes its pick at No. 5 overall. I then will provide a quick analysis of the pick on the NFC South blog. Soon after that, there will be media access to coach Greg Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik and a conference call with whichever player the Bucs take.

The Carolina Panthers will be making their pick at No. 9 and I’ll provide a similar quick analysis on what they do. Then, I’ll get to work on a more in-depth column on whatever turns out to be the NFC South highlight of the night.

We’ll do it all over again Friday night, complete with another edition of Countdown Live. On Saturday, the draft resumes at noon and we’ll weigh in with quick analysis in the final rounds and also will have a draft wrap-up, soon after everything ends.

We will not have our usual NFC South chat Friday afternoon because we’ll have plenty of time to chat in Countdown Live on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

And I’ll be around all day Thursday. I’ll hit you with some stuff to help you get ready for the draft and will weigh in on any news that breaks throughout the day.

Let’s take a look at the highlights of Friday’s NFC South chat.

Tim (Athens): Pat, do you think the Bucs have a plan if Richardson goes to CLE and Claiborne goes to MIN? Thank you.

Pat Yasinskas: I'm sure they do. Teams usually are prepared for any scenario. The thing I wonder about in that scenario is Justin Blackmon. I know they just signed Vincent Jackson and have a bunch of young WRs. But those young WRs haven't really established themselves. I could see them going with Blackmon to give Freeman another target.

Luke (Northdale): Pat, in your opinion will millionaire pro athletes really buy into the "toes on the line" from the head coach?

Pat Yasinskas: Time will tell, but it's definitely very different out there these days.

Ben (Atlanta): Do you know how high and upside the Panthers think Brandon Hogan has? If they think it is high, they may wait until rd 4 to get some CB depth.

Pat Yasinskas: He should be fully healthy this year and they obviously like him. He could be a factor in what Panthers do (or don't do) at CB.

Jeff (Decatur): I know you're tired of Falcons fans belly aching about our inactive free agency. However, it's hard for me to stomach the idea that two new coordinators should fix us. Dropped passes and miss tackles have nothing to do with scheme. Don't you think it's unfair that (by appearences) BVG and Murlarkey are getting the blame for our uneven playoff showings? Where is Dimitroff being held accountable? Some guys (ie Decoud, Jerry, Baker) just don't pass the eye test and I don't think Koetter/Nolan can change that.

Pat Yasinskas: Your points are all valid. But Dimitroff and Smith have decided to play it this way and fans aren't going to change it. If it works, they'll look like genuises. If it doesn't, they'll take heat.

Christopher (Pickens, South Carolina): Why do so many people think the Panthers need reciever help? We got Steve Smith who is still one of the best recievers in the game and Brandon LaFell was statistically one of the most dependable recievers in the NFC AND David Gettis looked really good in his rookie year. add on to that our TE's, and Carolina actually has one of the best reciever corps in the NFL.

Pat Yasinskas: I tend to agree with you. I could see them adding some depth, but I don't think they need to look for a starter in this draft.

Sean (Vegas): Saints fan. I don't understand the interim coach for the interim coach the Saints have planned. Any chance Parcells is still in the ix and he and Payton are talking strategy until June, when Parcells then steps in?

Pat Yasinskas: I suppose anything is possible.

Will (California): Do you think the Bucs will trade Blount at the Draft?? I see them taking Doug Martin in the 2nd rd!! I think he would become the instant starter in Tampa! Seeing he can do everything!! What are your thoughts??

Pat Yasinskas: I think there's a chance you could see Martin and Blount as teammates this year. In this day and age, you need several RBs that can play.

Rick (New jersey): What is a Bigger NEED for the SAINTS D line or CB?

Pat Yasinskas: I think D-line. They need to improve pass rush.

Joe F (Vero Beach) [via mobile]: I'm surprised the Bucs didn't follow through with shopping Talib. You know some dumb team would give them something for him?

Pat Yasinskas: I don't think anyone would give up anything for him right now. If he goes through trial and is cleared and isn't going to be suspended by the NFL, then, he has some trade value.

Saleem (Saint Louis): What are your thoughts on the league taking so long to hand out suspensions to the Saints. I understand legal implications and the need for doing their due diligence but they announced Sean Payton's suspension over a month ago now. In addition to roster impact, the suspensions have salary cap implications and could be part of why Loomis hasn't pulled the trigger on Brees' contract. Your thoughts?

Pat Yasinskas: Yes, I'm totally surprised nothing has come yet. I thought it would have happened sometime in the last few weeks, but it seems to be dragging. On the salary-cap implications, unless they do it differently than in the past, the suspended players would still count against the cap right up until the moment they start their suspensions.

Here’s the complete transcript of the NFC South chat.

Just wanted to give you a quick reminder that the weekly NFC South chat is scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. ET.

Plenty to talk about with the NFL draft less than a week away. Bring your questions and join us if you can.

Here’s the link to get you into the chat.

Lots of good questions in our weekly NFC South chat. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.

Brian (New Orleans): What are realistic expectations for the Saints this season? Assuming Brees is back.

Pat Yasinskas: Let's see what happens as far as player suspensions and how that will impact the defense. But, assuming Brees situation gets resolved, I would expect the offense to be as productive as it's been in recent years, so that should keep them in decent shape.

Mike [via mobile]: Do you think that Joe Vitt will be a good coach?

Pat Yasinskas: Yeah, he's a long-time NFL assistant. He's respected around the league. Players respect him. He'll keep things as close to the Payton way as possible.

Steve Albarado (Ventura, CA): Been a longtime fan of your blog Pat, I check it daily. Just gonna put this out there though. The Saints will move on from this huge dissapointing scandle, and us Saints' fans look to you and your blog to keep us informed very often. Any way you can stop all your Saints bashing?

Pat Yasinskas: Bashing? I work with what is there to work with. There's not a way I can put a pretty spin on what's been going on and say everything is rosy right now. For the last three years, I wrote almost all glowing things about the Saints because they were winning.

Laurin (Chatham,VA): Since the Panthers extended Steve Smith's contract and resigned Jordan Senn, where does that put them in respect to the Salary Cap?

Pat Yasinskas: Looked at that this morning. Think they're about $5.1 or $5.2 million under. Also, keep in mind, they're lugging around the full $7.6 cap hit for Travelle Wharton until June 1. After that, they can spread that between this year and next.

Trey (charlotte nc): Do u think the panthers can revive their defense this year like they did their offense last year?

Pat Yasinskas: Not sure it will be as dynamic as the offense. But I think simply getting Ron Edwards and Jon Beason back makes them a lot better on defense.

donte (Chattanooga): Pat, your article yesterday (Door Open In NFC South) insinuates my Falcons are on the way down...guess that means I can go ahead and purchase my Super Bowl tickets now?

Pat Yasinskas: Really, you took it that way? I think I just mentioned the fact they haven't done much in offseason and could still be dealing with mental aspects of playoff loss to Giants. I only slightly suggest it's at least possible they could slip. I don't think they will slip.

Matt Riddle (Atlanta, Ga): As a Falcon fan there is nothing I would enjoy more than to have a Hard Knocks featuring my team and I hope that they accept the offer. Having said that, there's a lot of speculation that Atlanta is more of the methodical, workmen-like, or in other words boring type of team compared to some others out there. Being in the locker room and knowing the players, do you agree with this stereo-type and do you think the Falcons can provide a highly entertaining product to the nation? Thanks.

Pat Yasinskas: I think it's probably going to happen. Their locker room isn't filled with the type of drama many locker rooms have. But I think they'd still be interesting. They're a team that clearly is feeling pressure to take the next step. Plus, Roddy is capable of being entertaining or creating drama of his own at any time.

Otto (Jackson, MS): Is there any word on the Bucs season ticket sales since making a splash in FA?

Pat Yasinskas: They haven't given any exact numbers or anything like that. But they said they have seen a sales increase since the big signings.

Tony (new jersey): Pat as a lifelong bucs fan I am a rare breed up north, I just want to know is there a real possibilty of the bucs replacing blount at rb, i know he needs to improve in certain areas but the reality is he can be a good back with good coaching, your thoughts..

Pat Yasinskas: Might want to ask Greg Schiano about that one. He's been sending some pretty strong messages on that.

Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.

This easily has been the most interesting offseason in the NFC South since we started the ESPN Blog Network in 2008.

There has been so much going on that last year’s lockout (and the boredom that came with it) seems like it was about 10 years ago. We’ve got the ongoing saga of the New Orleans Saints’ bounty program and its fallout. We’ve got the Atlanta Falcons apparently giving serious consideration to appearing on HBO’s “Hard Knocks."

And, by the way, we’ve got the NFL draft now less than two weeks away. Tampa Bay and Carolina each has a top-10 pick in that draft, so there’s a whole bunch to talk about and we’ve got the perfect venue for it.

We’ll hold the weekly NFC South chat Friday at 1 p.m. ET. Bring your questions and join us if you can. Here’s the free ticket to get you into the chat.

The New Orleans Saints and the fallout from their bounty program continue to dominate the talk in the NFC South. We dealt quite a bit with that in Friday’s NFC South chat.

But we also covered a lot of other ground across the entire division. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights:

Matt (Unknown): Do yo have any updates on the Drew Brees contract situation?

Pat Yasinskas: Seems to be quiet. Obviously, Saints have been a little busy with other matters. But they need to get the Brees situation settled quickly.

Steve (Rural Hall, NC): Pat, At this point do you think (1) Gregg Williams SHOULD receive a live time ban, and (2) do you think he WILL be banned for life?

Pat Yasinskas: Yes on both.

Mort (Rural Hall, NC): Last year the Panthers took a chance on Cam because they needed a impact QB with a high ceiling. Do you think they take a chance on Poe for a similar reason?

Pat Yasinskas: Not necessarily. They took Cam because they realized it's a QB-driven league. I don't think it's a DT-driven league.

Steve (Atlanta, GA): Do you foresee the game officials being particularly watchful of the Saints defense this year? That has to be a concern of Spagnuolo.

Pat Yasinskas: I think officials will be particularly watchful of all defenses going forward.

Jon (Rainy SoFlo): I find it laughable that Blount will be upset if the Bucs take Trent with their first pick...Now I want the Bucs to take Richardson and trade Blount...You think we could get a second round pick for blount? He is entering his prime and has physical skills that can't be coached.

Pat Yasinskas: If they got a second-round pick for Blount, Mark Dominik instantly wins Executive of the Year.

Loren (Atlanta): Pat, do you feel with full OTA's and a rookie season under his belt that Julio Jones will continue to challenge Roddy White for the #1 reciever position?

Pat Yasinskas: I think Julio will continue to emerge. But I don't know that they expect him or Roddy to be a true No. 1. I think they'd like them to share that role.

Jason (Wichita): With the looming player suspensions for the Saints and coaching staff already "out of the mix" for the 2012 season. What odds do you give them to repeat as division champs?

Pat Yasinskas: I'm not an odds-maker. They certainly have taken some hits and probably will take more. But, as long as they have Brees, anything is possible.

Tym (Denver, CO): How sold are we on Zuttah at Center? And is Trueblood still considered a decent RT? I hopped off Jeremy's bandwagon a few years ago.

Pat Yasinskas: By "we" I'll assume you mean the Bucs coaching staff and front office. I'd say pretty sold on Zuttah. They gave him a nice contract and released Faine, so he's clearly their guy. Trueblood? I think he's a question mark. But, so far, it looks like Bucs are planning to stick with him.

Jaryd (Ashland, Va): I think it is absurd all the people clamoring for Trent Richardson to be a Buccaneer when there are more pressing needs in the Secondary and with the Linebackers...You will be able to find a very good complement for Blount in a later round. None of the best teams in the league are powered by a dominate running back but a running back by committee approach.

Pat Yasinskas: No argument here. I say take Claiborne at No. 5. You can always get a running back a little later.

Ty (Nashville): PAT!!!!!With the number of FA LB's the saints have picked up in the past few weeks, who do you see as their week 1 starters excluding the possibility of an off season surprise in performance and the fact that Vilma will likely be cut/suspended.

Pat Yasinskas: Too early to tell. There could be other LBs suspended as well. Only one I can say for sure will be in opening-day lineup is Lofton. The other guys will all be competing for jobs.

JB (Far From Falconland): Are the Falcons serious when they say they'll stand behind Sam Baker, or is that just coach-speak until they lock down a replacement?

Pat Yasinskas: I suspect he'll at least have some competition in training camp. But I think it's possible he could end up being the opening-day starter.

Here’s the complete transcript of Friday’s NFC South chat.

A quick reminder that the weekly NFC South chat will be at 1 p.m. ET on Friday.

I’m sure the Saints’ situation will remain a hot topic. But we’re getting closer to the NFL draft, so there’s plenty to talk about involving the Buccaneers, Panthers and Falcons.

Bring your questions and join us if you can. Here’s the link to get you in.