The Carolina Panthers revived the NFC South’s tradition of dramatic turnarounds in 2025, marking a shift in a division that had long been dominated by two teams. Since its creation in 2002, the NFC South has seen several instances where a team finished last one season and first the next. This trend appeared to have ended after 2009, but the Panthers’ recent rise may signal renewed unpredictability.
In 2025, both the Panthers and New Orleans Saints ended with a 5-12 record at the bottom of the division. The following season, Carolina claimed its first division title in ten years. Meanwhile, changes across other teams suggest more shifts could come.
The Atlanta Falcons are undergoing significant restructuring after finishing their seventh consecutive losing season at 8-9—though that tied for best in the division. After defeating the Saints to end their season on January 4, they dismissed General Manager Terry Fontenot and Head Coach Raheem Morris later that evening. Fontenot’s tenure lasted five seasons; Morris served as head coach for two.
Owner Arthur Blank then announced organizational changes: Rich McKay moved to CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment while Greg Beadles became CEO of the Falcons. A new “president of football” role was created and filled by former Falcons quarterback and NFL MVP Matt Ryan.
Subsequently, Kevin Stefanski was hired as head coach after his departure from Cleveland Browns, while Ian Cunningham joined from Chicago Bears as general manager. Blank stated that “the president of football would have final decision-making authority.” Football decisions will be collaborative between Ryan and Cunningham.
Stefanski kept Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich but brought Tommy Rees from Cleveland as offensive coordinator—Rees will call plays for Atlanta as he did midseason with the Browns last year. Bill Callahan also joins as offensive line coach after coaching stints including with Cleveland from 2020-23.
According to Spotrac, nineteen players from Atlanta’s roster could become unrestricted free agents in March. Key starters such as defensive lineman David Onyemata, edge rusher Leonard Floyd, linebacker Kaden Elliss, and nickel corner Dee Alford are among them. Onyemata started all games last season but posted only one sack; Elliss recorded strong numbers since joining from New Orleans; Floyd’s production dipped compared to previous years.
Tight end Kyle Pitts is another notable potential free agent. Pitts had a career-high year with 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns in 2025 and earned second-team AP All-Pro honors. The Falcons can use their franchise tag on him at an estimated $16 million for one year if they choose not to reach a longer-term deal.
Other free agents include running back Tyler Allgeier—who remains behind Bijan Robinson on depth charts—and guard Elijah Wilkinson who started all games at right tackle due to injuries elsewhere on the line. Punter Bradley Pinion is also set for free agency after four seasons with Atlanta.
Despite ending with an identical record to three other non-playoff teams (8-9), Atlanta holds pick number 13 among those groups based on strength of schedule (.495). However, this pick belongs to Los Angeles Rams due to a prior trade involving draft picks used last year on edge rushers James Pearce and Jalon Walker.
Atlanta currently holds five selections: second (48th overall), third (15th in round), fourth, sixth, and seventh rounds—the fifth-rounder went to Philadelphia in an earlier trade-up move for safety Xavier Watts.
If Pitts leaves via free agency, pass-catching options may be sought early in the draft alongside possible reinforcements up front if Onyemata departs. Drake London leads current receivers but missed time due to injury; wide receiver depth remains thin beyond him.
Defensively, Atlanta improved its pass rush through youth but still ranked near league bottom against rushing attacks (24th overall) allowing over four-and-a-half yards per carry last season—a concern should key defenders exit during free agency.
