NFC South.(NFL: Free agents PREVIEW)

ATLANTA FALCONS

CAP SPACE: The team is about $2 million over the cap, so it will have to cut a few players and restructure the contracts of RB Warrick Dunn and RT Todd Weiner to be able to fill its biggest need: a good safety. MOVING ON: DE Brady Smith's age--he will be 33 next season--lack of durability and high salary will force the team to cut him and slide Chauncey Davis into his spot. TE Eric Beverly also will be cut because his potential replacement, Dwayne Blakley, is faster and more athletic. Ss Bryan Scott and Keion Carpenter will be gone; they were ineffective in 2005. Scott will be cut, and Carpenter is a free agent. The Falcons also will let LT Kevin Shaffer leave and will replace him with Frank Omiyale, who fits well in the team's zone-blocking scheme. TARGETS: The team must use a first- or second-round draft choice on a safety, but it's imperative a veteran such as Tank Williams (Titans), Will Demps (Ravens), Corey Chavous (Vikings) or Adam Archuleta (Rams) be in place to groom the rookie. The team needs someone who can be a factor against the run; Williams could be the best fit because he wouldn't be extremely expensive and can play the run. Archuleta times his hits better in coverage, but he might be too expensive. Chavous is good in coverage but doesn't have the burst or strength the team needs. The Falcons also want to re-sign K Todd Peterson, nickel back Chris Cash and DT Antwan Lake, but none is a high priority.--George Henry

CAROLINA PANTHERS

CAP SPACE: With the team more than $5 million over the cap, its free-agent activity should be light. The focus will be on re-signing its key free agents. MOVING ON: The Panthers will attempt to re-sign WLB Will Witherspoon, but there are options if he leaves. Thomas Davis could be ready to start. He has the quickness to be effective in coverage and as a pass rusher, but his recognition skills aren't as sharp as Witherspoon's. Although RB DeShaun Foster's durability is a concern, the team secured him for next season by giving him the transition tag. The Panthers also would like to re-sign SS Marlon McCree, who was a pleasant surprise in his first season with the club. C Jeff Mitchell has anchored the line and an effort will be made to keep him, but Geoff Hangarther is ready if Mitchell's price gets too high. RG Tutan Reyes was adequate last season, but the team probably will let him go to clear the way for Evan Mathis. TARGETS: The team realized the importance of continuity when it let several starters depart after the 2003 season. That contributed to a disappointing '04 season. So keeping Foster is one of the club's offseason priorities. The team will try to improve its talent at wide receiver. It has a premier weapon in Steve Smith but would like a big possession receiver opposite him. Joe Jurevicius (Seahawks) would be a perfect fit, and the team also may be willing to gamble on Koren Robinson (Vikings). If Chris Weinke leaves, backup quarterback will be a priority because Stefan LeFors isn't ready for the No. 2 role.--Pat Yasinskas

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

CAP SPACE: The Saints are $8 million to $10 million below the cap. They aren't set up to be major players because they have the No. 2 pick in the draft. They'll be more active if new coach Sean Payton decides to replace some starters. MOVING ON: The team will lose ...