The NFC West was one of the more competitive divisions across the NFL and there is plenty of reason to believe that the division crown will be in high contention next year.
Both the Seahawks and Rams were able to make the playoffs with the Cardinals just missing out. In order to continue their success, and build on their core foundations, all four teams will have key decisions to make during the offseason. With salary cap being a huge issue for some teams, there is only so much room that the front offices will have to work.
However, let’s take a look at the top targets for each team in the NFC West this offseason free agency.
Seattle Seahawks: Shaquill Griffin, Cornerback
The Seahawks have one of the best and most dynamic offenses in the NFL, however, throughout the course of the season they showed that the defense was not capable of winning games. Having one of the worst defenses in the NFL is an area that needs to be addressed immediately if Seattle hopes to continue capitalizing with Russell Wilson as quarterback.
The Seahawks are set to lose a trio of their own cornerbacks (Quinton Dunbar, Shaquill Griffin, and Neiko Thorpe) and they would be best set to retain the most talented of these players. While it is not a splashy move, the best teams retain their own talent, and this is a move the Seahawks need to make.
Los Angeles Rams: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Quarterback
Jared Goff has been shaky throughout the season and may not be the long-term answer for the Rams in the future. He will likely get a least one more chance to show that he can put everything together and be the franchise guy in L.A.
As a safety blanket, the Rams would do well to bring in a veteran quarterback to make sure that they are solid if Goff does struggle. Fitzpatrick has had some magical moments during his career and would be a huge upgrade as a backup if Goff needs to be benched. The veteran might also be able to teach Goff and allow him to improve.
Arizona Cardinals: Hunter Henry Tight End
The Cardinals were very close to the playoffs this year, as well as winning the NFC West, and the move that will get them over the edge is by bringing in a top tight end. Giving Kyler Murray a pass-catching tight end would give him an easy check down as well as a key player to game-plan around.
Murray is on track to develop into one of the top quarterbacks in the league, and the more weapons he has around him the more potent this offense can become. Arizona has one of the higher projected cap spaces, which will give them room to offer Henry a contract that pulls him away from the Chargers.
San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams Offensive Tackle
After trading for Trent Williams and not having the type of season they were hoping for, San Francisco will need to focus on keeping their core intact and then bringing in top talent to build. If they build the right way, they could ascend to the top of the NFC West again.
The 49ers dropped off this year, but remember that just one year ago they were representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. Williams brings stability to the offensive line and would allow Jimmy Garoppolo to hopefully become a consistent quarterback. The 49ers are not as far from competing as many people might think, but letting a top talent leave would send the wrong message to the team and other free agents about the team’s desire and ability to win now.
