NFC South unanswered questions: Will Baker Mayfield, Bucs agree to extension before self-imposed deadline?

Teams have a much clearer picture of where they stand now that free agency and the NFL Draft are in the rearview mirror. That doesn't mean every question has been answered.

As teams continue preparing for training camp in late July, each still faces a key unknown — one that could determine whether it reaches its ceiling this season, whether that's winning the Super Bowl or simply improving on its 2025 record.

With that in mind, let's examine the biggest unanswered question facing each team in the NFC South.

Atlanta Falcons | When will the QB battle begin?

It's too premature to say who'll win the starting quarterback role between Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa because, well, the battle hasn't started.

Earlier this week, Falcons quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt told ESPN that because Penix is still rehabbing from ACL surgery, "There's no competition."

Van Pelt, an NFL assistant since 2005 following a 10-year playing career, praised Penix's work in 7-on-7 drills but admitted it was impossible to begin working toward a determination until the two quarterbacks are on equal footing.

That gives Tagovailoa the inside track thanks to the extra reps he can get with Atlanta's first-stringers, but Penix's familiarity with the skill-position players could help him quickly catch up as first-year Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski installs his offense. But until the 2024 first-round pick is ready, Atlanta's quarterback competition is a one-man race. 

Carolina Panthers | Who starts at left tackle?

A ruptured patellar tendon during the NFC wild-card round will likely sideline Ikem Ekwonu, a former No. 6 overall pick who has started 64 games at left tackle since being drafted in 2022, for the start of the season, making quarterback Bryce Young's blindside protector arguably Carolina's biggest question heading into the bulk of summer training.

During free agency, the Panthers signed former Green Bay Packers 2022 seventh-round pick Rasheed Walker, who started 52 games (including playoffs) over the past three seasons, to a one-year, $4M contract. Carolina also selected Georgia Bulldogs tackle Monroe Freeling with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Last month, general manager Dan Morgan spoke about the opening during an appearance on NFL Network's "The Insiders," telling Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, "In terms of Monroe, he'll compete with Rasheed."

Walker's experience makes him an attractive option, but Freeling will make things interesting if the rookie shortens his learning curve.

New Orleans Saints | Does defensive end Cam Jordan return?

For the past 15 seasons, Jordan, the Saints' all-time sack leader (132), has been a lynchpin on the defensive unit. He's only missed two games during his illustrious career and still has plenty to offer as indicated by his 10.5-sack 2025 season.

Even as one of his generation's most prolific pass-rushers, Jordan, who turns 37 on July 10, remains a free agent, keeping the door open for him to re-sign with New Orleans. 

On Wednesday, head coach Kellen Moore told reporters the team has extended an offer to Jordan, who is taking time to consider his options.

Chase Young, the No. 2 overall pick in 2020, is coming off a career-high 10 sacks last year, while Carl Granderson offers three-down value, but the remaining edge-rusher depth is suspect. The front office acquired former top-10 pick Tyree Wilson during the 2026 draft after he failed to latch on with the Las Vegas Raiders, making his production far from guaranteed. Anfernee Jennings signed after five seasons with the New England Patriots, but he's best against the run, lacking Jordan's versatility.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Does a Baker Mayfield extension get done?

The clock is ticking.

Last week, Mayfield, Tampa Bay's starting quarterback the past three seasons, revealed he and the team are "not anywhere close" in negotiations as the 2018 No. 1 overall pick prepares to enter the final year of a three-year, $100M extension signed in March 2024.

Mayfield also set a deadline for contract talks, declaring "It's all ball" once training camp commences in mid-July (exact date TBA).

More recently, insider Albert Breer questioned if Mayfield would seriously decline to sign an extension if the Bucs offered him one in the middle of the preseason, but Tampa might not want to wait to find out the answer.

Mayfield's value will skyrocket with a big 2026, and while the Buccaneers could apply the franchise tag, his current contract is set to void at the tune of $30.15M, per OverTheCap, which could make going that route untenable.