The NFC West finished as one of the worst divisions (record wise) in the NFL a season ago. The overall record for the division was 23-39-2. One could argue that no division has seen more changes than this one so far this offseason. Will the San Francisco 49ers be better under new management? Can the LA Rams turn things around behind their number overall pick a season ago in Jared Goff? Which players will the Arizona Cardinals choose to retain? What moves can the Seattle Seahawks make to return to the Super Bowl?
What offseason moves will these teams make in the draft and free agency? Let’s look into each team individually below.
NFC West Needs
San Francisco 49ers
Top Free Agents: Gerald Hodges (LB), Jeremy Kerley (WR)
Team needs: QB, OL, WR
The San Fransisco 49ers had a forgettable 2016 season after going 2-14. With a new general manager (John Lynch) and a new head coach (Kyle Shanahan) leading the charge, I expect better results in 2017.
Let’s marinate on this for a few minutes. The 49ers would be smart to listen to trades for their second overall selection. If they draft quarterback Mitch Trubisky ith the second overall pick, they will get criticized for his lack of experience among other things. If they use that selection to draft an edge rusher/defensive lineman such as Solomon Thomas or Jonathan Allen, they will be criticized for drafting the same position in three consecutive drafts. And if they draft Reuben Foster (which is a fantastic idea), they will be criticized for taking him “too early”. Do not be surprised if the 49ers move a couple slots back on draft night. The trade will not be before draft night because if there is any chance the Cleveland Browns do not select Myles Garrett, the 49ers will. Look for the 49ers to make this deal while they are on the clock.
Now, back to business. Let’s say the 49ers, in fact, DO draft Reuben Foster, he will fill many needs this team has (while also being mentored by Navorro Bowman). In regards to free agency, I expect the 49ers to trade for Jay Cutler or possibly make a run at Kirk Cousins. These quarterbacks are both established veterans who have shown they can play in this league. As a matter of fact, Shanahan drafted Cousins in Washington. Either quarterback in Shanahan’s system would play well. This also allows the 49ers to use their eleven draft picks on other holes/needs this team has. Look for them to big players this offseason as they have nearly $82 MM in cap space, which is second highest in the NFL.
Los Angeles Rams
Top Free Agents: Trumaine Johnson (CB), Dominique Easley (DL), Kenny Britt (WR), T.J. McDonald (S)
Team needs: OL, WR, TE
If the Los Angeles Rams hope to make strides in the right direction, they need to add help on the offensive side of the football. Outside of Kenny Britt (who is a free agent), their offensive production was lackadaisical, including Todd Gurley. Now, Todd never stood a chance as teams would crowd the box because there was no passing threat. By adding more offensive weapons, Todd Gurley will flourish again. There are reports that the Rams are going to franchise tag Trumaine Johnson for a second-consecutive season. If this is the case, the Rams should look into re-signing Kenny Britt and T.J. McDonald. Once these contracts are sorted out, the Rams desperately need to make a run at a playmaker(s). The Rams have nearly $39 MM of cap space available this offseason. Will the Rams go after a receiver in free agency? If not, there is always the draft. I imagine the Rams will look into adding a few there. Names like Cooper Kupp, Isaiah Ford, Josh Reynolds, and Zay Jones would all add value to this team.
Goff did not play very well this past season, but realize that most rookies do not. Especially not having much talent around him. Look for Goff, who now has an entire offseason to work with after getting his feet wet, to improve in many areas this upcoming season.
Arizona Cardinals
Top Free Agents: Calais Campbell (DL), Tony Jefferson (S), Chandler Jones (Edge), D.J. Swearinger (S), A.Q. Shipley (OL), Kevin Minter (LB)
Team needs: QB, OL, LB
For a team that was projected to win the NFC and play in the Super Bowl, they fell extremely short by not even making the playoffs. What’s worse that not living up to expectations? Realizing that many of your key players will leave in the offseason. The Cardinals only have $18.98 MM in cap space, and apparently, there will only be a minimal amount left after they franchise tag Chandler Jones. Yesterday, the Cardinals offered the franchise tag to Jones. As of now, the franchise tag for an OLB/DE is $14.6 MM. All players mentioned above in the Cardinals “top free agents” graded above an 81, per Pro Football Focus. Additionally, all of these players played in over 830 snaps, which indicates they started/played in almost every game. The Cardinals, unless they do some serious moving and shaking with other contracts, will be able to re-sign only ONE of these names. A possible way the Cardinals keep Calais Campbell or Tony Jefferson is if they do some serious make-shifting to other contracts as well as cutting players. They are likely going to let D.J. Swearinger walk as he plays the same position as Tyrann Mathieu, who the Cardinals gave an extension to a season ago. In the draft, look for the Arizona Cardinals to find a replacement for Calais Campbell along the defensive front.
Seattle Seahawks
Top Free Agents: Deshawn Shead (CB), Steven Terrell (S), Marcel Reece (FB)
Team needs: OL, WR, CB
The Seattle Seahawks are in a pretty darn good position beginning the 2017 offseason. After not starting as well as they wanted to, the Seahawks ended up playing in the NFC Divisional Round in the playoffs. Fast forward a month and a half, and realize this team is in a very good position to make another Super Bowl run this upcoming season. They are not losing any starting offensive skill players/defensive starters to free agency. The Seahawks only have one area in which they need significant improvement: the offensive line. Last season, the Seahawks had the worst offensive line in the NFL. Look for the Seahawks to sign a few offensive lineman this offseason to bolster that front before the NFL draft starts in late April. By adding a few key offensive lineman through free agency, the Seahawks have the option to get additional playmakers for Russell Wilson and that offense, or draft more skilled defensive players to increase the depth of that defense. If they do not add significant help to the offensive line in free agency, they will most likely look at drafting Garett Bolles (OT) or Ryan Ramczyk (OL) in the first round. If neither of those players are available, look for them to add depth at the cornerback position. The Seattle Seahawks have $26.62 MM in cap space this offseason.
All grades per Pro Football Focus.
