NFC.(personnel changes and issues of football teams)

Arizona

ON GUARDS: Coach Dave McGinnis began the process of upgrading the offensive line with the release of G Lester Holmes and the scheduling of visits by free-agent Gs Pete Kendall and Jeff Hartings. Guard and the defensive line are the top priorities in free agency. Holmes, injured much of 2000, was too much of a salary burden at more than $2 million.... Some gave S Pat Tillman kudos for his 2000 season. Others wondered if Tillman's big tackle numbers were a result of the shoddy defense in front of him. The Cardinals are about to find out what other teams think. Tillman was tendered a "low" contract offer of $512,000, meaning the restricted free agent could go to another team for a draft pick in the round Tillman was picked--the seventh.

WADSWORTH VOIDED: As expected, the team voided the remainder of its contract with oft-injured DE Andre Wadsworth. It was a no-brainer, given Wadsworth was due $8 million this season, but it also emphasized the need for Wadsworth to prove himself to be a Cardinal beyond 2001. Wadsworth is coming off major knee surgery and might not be ready for the season, much less camp. With the likely defection of DE Simeon Rice, much of the line will need to be rebuilt. Wadsworth is coming up on a make-or-break year not only with this franchise but perhaps in his career. --Darren Urban

Atlanta

BACK ON THE BLOCK: The team has contacted the agents for ex-Falcons LB Cornelius Bennett and WR Tony Martin. Bennett was released by the Colts in a cost-cutting move similar to the decision made by the Falcons after the 1998 season. If unrestricted free agent Henri Crockett is not re-signed, there will be an opening at strongside linebacker. Bennett, 35, a native of Birmingham, Ala., might be interested in finishing his career closer to his family. Martin, 35, was released by the Dolphins after catching only 26 passes--none for TDs--last season. The Falcons never have replaced his speed.

PLEASE COME BACK: Of its own remaining free agents, the team might most aggressively pursue P Den Stryzinski and S Gerald McBurrows. It also might move practice-squad K Jake Arians up as the replacement for free agent Morten Anderson.... Free-agent G Jeff Hartings is on the team's shopping list. He was considered the Lions' most consistent lineman, and the Falcons need consistency on the line. The team also is interested in Packers G Ross Verba.... Despite talk about the Falcons positioning themselves to select QB Michael Vick with the No. 1 pick in the draft, the team more likely will trade down from its No. 5 spot than to deal other picks and set itself up for a potentially difficult contract negotiation. --Charles Odum

Carolina