Free agency hasn’t been the most exciting in the NFC West this year, no big trades, and very few big signings. The NFC West is likely the best division in football right now, and being so good costs money. Even with a higher than expected cap ceiling, the teams in the NFC West were still strapped for cash.
Arizona Cardinals
The premier signing in the division during free agency, the Cardinals bringing in Jared Veldheer gives them their left tackle of the future and helps shore up the Cardinals biggest weakness, their offensive line. The signing of John Carlson is a bit underrated and it gives the Cardinals some flexibility in the early rounds as they won’t be pressured to take a tight end early.
With Andre Roberts departure, the Cardinals will need to look into acquiring a new slot receiver, but with the receiver class being so deep, this will likely be a mid-round need. Needs still unfilled for the Cardinals would be right tackle, a tight end for the future, and safety.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are widely seen as one of the most talented teams in the NFL, and had few holes on the roster coming into free agency. The team resigned Anquan Boldin and then signed Antoine Bethea to replace the departed Donte Whitner. The 49ers had little cap space this offseason, and these were the two “big” moves. The 49ers also made two trades as they acquired Blaine Gabbert and Jonathan Martin for late round picks to see if maybe a change of scenery can jump start their careers.
The 49ers are in prime position to trade up and select the player they covet the most, or sit back and take the best player available. Needs for the team include receiver, center, corner, and safety (as Bethea will be 30 by the regular season).
Seattle Seahawks
The reigning Super Bowl champions are in a great position this offseason. They re-signed several would be free agents, and released several players to free up cap space. The Seahawks let Golden Tate leave in free agency, and they cut Sidney Rice, making wide receiver one of their bigger needs, especially since Doug Baldwin will be a free agent next offseason. The Seahawks cut Chris Clemons and Red Bryant so their defensive line could use some fresh bodies as they like to keep a strong rotation there.
The Seahawks offensive line isn’t likely as big of an issue as would be expected. Russell Okung will be healthy and ready to go for the season again, and Michael Bowie was very serviceable at right tackle last year, wouldn’t be a surprise if they like him there long term. The Seahawks could stand to upgrade their interior offensive line but that could be it for their offensive line. Their remaining needs after wide receiver, interior offensive line, and defensive line, would be their secondary as they may struggle to pay both Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman market value.
St. Louis Rams
The Rams haven’t signed a free agent to date, although they did re-sign Rodger Saffold and Jo-Lonn Dunbar. Re-signing Saffold helps keep continuity on the offensive line, and as long as he plays guard, he’ll be fine.
The Rams immediate needs as of now are their left guard position, and safety. The team could look to add a more conventional outside receiver, or another cornerback. The Rams are in a strong position to draft best player available just as the entire division is.