NFC South & NFC West: The NFL Players Who Got Picked Up And Dropped

Photo Credit: Michael Wifall

Ever since the NFL lockout was lifted on Monday, it has been a free agency frenzy for both the teams and the players. With approximately two weeks left until the first preseason game, many teams have been thoroughly examining each of their rosters to hopefully make a decision on which athletes to keep and which ones to let go.

Given the circumstances, it’s not surprising that teams are moving very fast. In the past two days, there have already been a number of players who have signed and countless athletes who have also been cut. With so much NFL news floating around, trying to keep up can get very frustrating.

Luckily, all that frustration can be set aside. We will be assessing each NFL team in terms of market activity beginning June 28, 2011.

Are you ready to find out where your favorite players are headed?

Below is the current breakdown of NFL players who have agreed to contract deals, in addition to the NFL athletes who have been released by their former teams starting with the NFC South and the NFC West.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints

The Saints are ready for yet another year led by All-Star team captain, Drew Brees. The New Orleans’ backfield will be without Reggie Bush, as the speedy running back will be taking his talents to South Beach.

Pickups: Re-Signed WR Lance Moore, Rookie K Jacob Rogers, CB Johnny Patrick, Nate Bussey, DE Greg Romeus & 20 Undrafted Rookie Free Agents [List of free agents via names]

Drops: Reggie Bush [Traded to the Dolphins]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs stops here. Considered as one of NFL’s upstart teams, it will be very interesting to see how well coach Raheem Morris and the Bucs take care of the NFC South.

Pickups: DE Adrian Clayborn, CB Aqib Talib, & Rookies Mason Foster, Daniel Hardy, TE Luke Stocker, S Ahmad Black and CB Anthony Gaitor

Drops: None Yet

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers seem to have a quarterback controversy brewing or do they? With rookie QB Cam Newton coming to town, what will happen to Jimmy Clausen? On another note, Panthers’ wideout Steve Smith will remain with the team.

Pickups: Re-Signed WR Steve Smith

Drops: None Yet

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have returned and they are back with a vengeance. The organization has not yet made any splashes in free agency, but there most likely will not be too much noise coming from Atlanta. The team already did their damage in the draft by moving up to acquire WR Julio Jones. Recently, the team has just announced that the organization has re-signed Pro Bowl right tackle Tyson Clabo.

Pickups: Re-Signed RT Tyson Clabo, LB Mike Peterson, LB Stephen Nicholas, K Matt Bosher and 22 College Free Agents [List of free agents via names]

Drops: None Yet

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks

Was last season a fluke? Seattle is definitely fishing through the waters of free agency. It looks as if the team is off to a great start as the organization managed to sign WR Sidney Rice.

Pickups: WR Sidney Rice, Rookie K.J. Wright

Drops: QB Matt Hasselbeck [Tennessee Titans] K Olindo Mare & LB Will Herring

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona has a new sheriff in town and his name is Kevin Kolb. The organization has signed Kolb to a five-year deal worth $63.5 million dollars. In exchange, the Cardinals had to give up CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 draft pick.

Pickups: QB Kevin Kolb

Drops: – CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second-round pick [Sent To Eagles]

St. Louis Rams

How far can QB Sam Bradford take the Rams? With Bradford being the 12th highest paid athlete in 2011, the Rams are certainly anticipating an even better NFL season from the 2nd year man.

Pickups/Drops: None Yet

San Francisco 49ers

Will Alex Smith be the future of the 49ers? The team’s core of young players present a good future for the organization. The franchise will need to make a few more moves in order to compete in the NFC West.

Pickups: Re-Signed QB Alex Smith and QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson. Rookies FB Bruce Miller and G Daniel Kilgore – Undrafted Free Agents – WR Dontavia Bogan, DE Brian Bulcke, DE Demarcus Dobbs, CB Corey Nelms and RB Seth Smith. Signed 2010 Draft Class [List of free agents via names]

Drops: None Yet

*Updates – 7/31/2011

NFC South

New Orleans Saints

Pickups: RB Darren Sproles [Acquired from San Diego Chargers] & Rookie RB Mark Ingram

Carolina Panthers

Pickups: DE Charles Johnson, LB Jon Beason & Rookie QB Cam Newton

Atlanta Falcons

Pickups: DE Ray Edwards

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks

Pickups: QB Tarvaris Jackson, Rookie OL James Carpenter

Arizona Cardinals

Pickups: LG Daryn Colledge

St. Louis Rams

Pickups: S Quintin Mikell

San Francisco 49ers

Pickups: DL Ray McDonald