The hype of free agency has come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 17th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s finish off with the NFC West.
Arizona Cardinals
Key acquisitions: DE J.J. Watt, WR A.J. Green, C Rodney Hudson, CB Malcolm Butler, RB James Conner, K Matt Prater, G Brian Winters, S Shawn Williams, QB Colt McCoy
Re-signed: OLB Markus Golden, OT Kelvin Beachum, S Chris Banjo, P Andy Lee, G Max Garcia, TE Darrell Daniels
Departures: CB Patrick Peterson (Vikings), LB Haason Reddick (Panthers), TE Dan Arnold (Panthers), C Mason Cole (Vikings), DE Jonathan Bullard (Falcons)
Remaining free agents: WR Larry Fitzgerald, LB De’Vondre Campbell, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Johnathan Joseph, NT Corey Peters, G J.R. Sweezy
Analysis: The Cardinals are relevant again and I’m here for it. They were the first team to sign a big free agent, which set the tone for their offseason that they are not playing around. They believe they are contenders in 2021, and their free agency signings prove that they are. They made massive upgrades all across their roster, so let’s dive in.
The very first move of the 2021 offseason came after the Texans released the greatest player in franchise history: 3x Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt. The Cardinals pass rush is nothing without Chandler Jones, and he missed most of the season and this defense was not good. The only person it helped was Haason Reddick, who had a breakout 12.5 sacks and earned a deal with the Panthers, so they lost some production there. Watt joins a defense that has a nice mix of veterans and young stars, and he’s the most decorated of them all. This is shaping up to be a solid front seven after they brought back Markus Golden with Rashard Lawrence and Jordan Phillips in the interior, and hopefully Isaiah Simmons progresses in year two.
Other moves on the defense include the signing of CB Malcolm Butler, who was released by the Titans this offseason. He takes the place of one of the best players in Cardinals history Patrick Peterson, who leaves after 10 seasons and signs with the Vikings. Peterson’s play has dropped off in recent years, whereas Butler had a solid 2020 season, so even though you have the sentimental value of losing Peterson, Butler is an upgrade at their current state. Dre Kirkpatrick is still a free agent, but wasn’t spectacular last season, but they still have a vacant starting job. They’re hoping Robert Alford can be healthy after missing two straight seasons. They are also currently without De’Vondre Campbell, who played 80% of snaps, but the Cardinals are one of the few teams who are extremely deep at linebacker.
On offense they brought in 7x Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Green, who spent the last 10 years with the Bengals. He missed all of 2019 with injury, and was not the same superstar player he usually is in 2020, having WR3 numbers. He joins DeAndre Hopkins, and if you told me two years ago Hopkins and Green were on the same team, it’d be the most unstoppable receiving duo in NFL history, but Green is not what he used to be. I’m not giving up on him, as he could very well turn back the clock and be the superstar receiver he once was. He definitely lacked motivation last year in Cincinnati as he probably realized his tenure was coming to a close. He appears rejuvenated and ready to win. Who knows what the future holds for the legendary Larry Fitzgerald.
They also brought in former Steelers Pro Bowl RB James Conner, who’ll pair up with Chase Edmonds. The team said goodbye to Kenyan Drake, which opens up an opportunity for Conner, but I think Edmonds will be the starter. Conner has not been great since his breakout 2018 season, injury may have aided that, but hopefully he’s also motivated to do well in a new setting.
The final big moves were on the offensive line. They acquired Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson from the Raiders for a third-round pick, and I love this move. The Raiders were having a fire sale of their offensive line, and the Cardinals jumped on it and acquired one of the best centers in the league over the last decade. He replaces Mason Cole, who was traded to the Vikings, and immediately upgrade that interior o-line. Also joining that interior is former Jets and Bills guard Brian Winters. They’ve got some competition to play opposite Justin Pugh, but Winters is a longtime Jets starter who struggled with the Bills last year, but I think he’ll make a difference. They also brought back Kelvin Beachum, who started every game at right tackle.
Conclusion: The Cardinals are not messing around. They went all in on this free agency. Often times you see teams either make moves to win now or prepare for the future, the Cardinals did both. They signed a lot of veterans who are ready to win now, and made moves for the future too. I consider this one of the best free agencies of 2021, now let’s win games. You progressed in 2020, maybe not to the level you had hoped, but progress either way. The Cardinals are good again, and are going to be a major threat in this division.
Los Angeles Rams
Key acquisitions: QB Matthew Stafford, WR DeSean Jackson
Re-signed: OLB Leonard Floyd
Departures: QB Jared Goff (Lions), DT Michael Brockers (Lions), S John Johnson (Browns), TE Gerald Everett (Seahawks), CB Troy Hill (Browns), C Austin Blythe (Chiefs), OLB Samson Ebukam (49ers), RB Malcolm Brown (Dolphins), DE Morgan Fox (Panthers), LS Jacob McQuaide (Cowboys), WR Josh Reynolds (Titans)
Analysis: The Rams are never shy when it comes to pulling off massive deals, and they love to overspend. This offseason the Rams pulled off one of the biggest trades of all time, trading their once prized young franchise quarterback Jared Goff, along with two first-round and one third-round picks to the Lions for Matthew Stafford, a far superior veteran quarterback. This is exactly what the Rams needed for their team, and exactly what Stafford deserves. The Lions have been so bad for over a decade, but Stafford was still playing super well. The front office did not help him in putting a good team around him, and just failed at every turn. He joins a Rams squad that has two very good receivers in Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp while adding the old speedy DeSean Jackson, a solid tight end in Tyler Higbee (while losing Gerald Everett), and two good young running backs in Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson. They still have a solid o-line despite losing Austin Blythe, so Stafford is well set up for success.
It’s the defense I’m worried about. You are very good at the top with Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, and maybe even OLB Leonard Floyd, and DBs Taylor Rapp and Darious Williams, but there’s nothing beyond them now. They traded away Michael Brockers to reunite with Goff in Detroit, and they let pass rushers Samson Ebukam and Morgan Fox sign elsewhere. They gave Leonard Floyd, who had a good year last year, a good-sized four-year deal. In the secondary they lost free safety John Johnson and nickelback Troy Hill, but they have some guys they drafted last year who could fill in like Jordan Fuller and Terrell Burgess.
Conclusion: The Rams have once again traded first-round picks to get high-profile players. They haven’t made a first-round selection since Goff in 2016, and they won’t be til 2024. In the past they’ve traded picks for players who didn’t last more than two seasons with the team (Brandin Cooks, Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters), but lately they’ve been making big investments (Stafford, Ramsey) and are focusing on the present and future. I’ve been killing this team for their lack of depth, and that’s something you typically address in the draft, but they never have any draft picks. Make good use of your six draft picks and be exciting.
San Francisco 49ers
Key acquisitions: No. 3 overall pick, C Alex Mack, DE Samson Ebukam, DT Maurice Hurst Jr., DE Arden Key, LB Nathan Gerry, RB Wayne Gallman, WR Trent Sherfield, S Tavon Wilson, DT Zach Kerr, WR Mohamed Sanu, QB Nate Sudfeld
Re-signed: OT Trent Williams, FB Kyle Juszczyk, CB Jason Verrett, CB K’Waun Williams, S Jaquiski Tartt, DT D.J. Jones, CB Dontae Johnson, DE Jordan Willis, G Tom Compton
Departures: DT Solomon Thomas (Raiders), CB Ahkello Witherspoon (Seahawks), RB Tevin Coleman (Jets), WR Kendrick Bourne (Patriots), DE Kerry Hyder (Seahawks), DL Ronald Blair, QB C.J. Beathard (Jaguars)
Remaining free agents: CB Richard Sherman, QB Nick Mullens, RB Jerick McKinnon, C Ben Garland, DE Dion Jordan, LB Mark Nzeocha, WR Trent Taylor
Analysis: The 49ers are doing some crazy stuff right now. They made a huge pre-draft trade to acquire the third pick in the draft, which all but confirms they’re selecting a quarterback and replacing Jimmy Garoppolo. It’s been hard to see Garoppolo struggle, but I think it’s time to move on, and this is a perfect opportunity for the 49ers to get the guy they want. With this move up, and the first two picks basically known, Kyle Shanahan can get the best quarterback for their system and not be limited. This is Shanahan’s team, and the front office knows it and are willing to help him craft the roster he desires. In addition to the draft up, they also signed a good amount of free agents and brought a bunch of guys back too.
The biggest name they brought back was Trent Williams, who was back to his Pro Bowl self in his first year in San Francisco. He became the highest-paid offensive lineman, and is a key part of getting this team to where Shanahan wants it to be. They also brought in Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, who Shanahan knows very well from their time in Atlanta. This cements that starting job, as center has been a revolving door the past few seasons.
Also on offense they signed former Giants running back Wayne Gallman, who doesn’t have many snaps under his belt, but he’s played well when he’s played, and he’s got fresh legs. The 49ers need multiple running backs in their system, and they lost two this offseason in Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon. So Raheem Mostert will be the starter with Gallman, Jeff Wilson, and JaMycal Hasty behind them. Blocking in front of them will be Kyle Juszczyk, the All-Pro fullback who’s returning on a five-year deal. They did lose another weapon in Kendrick Bourne, who signed a deal with the Patriots, but they added some depth with Mohamed Sanu. They’re very deep on offense, so if guys go down, which they will because it’s the 49ers, they have guys who can step up. That’s been their m.o. over the years, and it helps keep them afloat.
The defense is where the team made the largest number of moves. With defensive coordinator Robert Saleh now the head coach of the Jets, it was time to add some more players to test out the new system. Among then are former Rams edge rusher Samson Ebukam on a two-year deal, former Eagles linebacker Nathan Gerry, and former Raiders 2018 draft picks who were both released on the same days in Maurice Hurst Jr. and Arden Key. These are both really good players who got released for some reason, good for the 49ers to pick them up.
They also brought back a lot of starters too. They’re bringing back most of the starting secondary with cornerback Jason Verrett, who played fantastic last season after so many missed seasons due to injury, starting slot corner K’Waun Williams, and starting safety Jaquiski Tartt. They said goodbye to former third overall pick Solomon Thomas from the defensive line and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. Luckily this team is deep so they got plenty of reinforcements.
Conclusion: I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen on draft night, but I’m so excited. Who are they picking at No. 3? Is Garoppolo going to be traded? Where is he going to be traded? Are they even going to take a quarterback, or will they trade that pick for another quarterback? I don’t know, nobody knows, but I love the suspense. This is a very good roster, but health just kills them every year. Give the 49ers some health luck, and they’re playoff bound, book it.
Seattle Seahawks
Key acquisitions: G Gabe Jackson, TE Gerald Everett, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, DE Kerry Hyder, CB Pierre Desir, DT Al Woods, DE Aldon Smith, DT Robert Nkemdiche
Re-signed: RB Chris Carson, C Ethan Pocic, DB Damarious Randall, FB Nick Bellore, DE Benson Mayowa, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, QB Geno Smith
Departures: CB Shaquill Griffin (Jaguars), DT Jarran Reed (Chiefs), CB Quinton Dunbar (Lions), G Mike Iupati (retired), RB Carlos Hyde (Jaguars), WR David Moore (Panthers), TE Jacob Hollister (Bills), DE Jonathan Bullard (Falcons)
Remaining free agents: LB K.J. Wright, S Delano Hill, DE Bruce Irvin, CB Neiko Thorpe
Analysis: The narrative at the beginning of the offseason was to make Russell Wilson happy. He voiced his displeasure with the Seahawks inability to protect him and not being able to play the type of offense he thinks the team should be running, and that the way they called plays last year led to their disappointing end to the season. I think the Seahawks listened to him, as they’ve worked to improve their team to Wilson’s favor.
The Seahawks took advantage of the Raiders offensive line fire sale and acquired star guard Gabe Jackson for a fifth-round pick. He is a massive upgrade on the interior, and gives Wilson a beast in the middle who can pass and run block at an elite level. They also brought back center Ethan Pocic, who was average last season. I do think they still need to address the tackle position as Duane Brown is 35 years old and Brandon Shell is barely an average starter.
They also gave him a new weapon, former Rams tight end Gerald Everett. The Seahawks haven’t had a good tight end since Jimmy Graham, and Everett is a guy who showed some signs of being great, but has been very inconsistent and wasn’t properly utilized. With Wilson throwing him the ball now, he could have one of the biggest breakout seasons this year. And what is Seattle without a running back. They brought back starter Chris Carson, who’s back on a two-year deal.
The defense also needed a ton of work, and they brought some guys who can compete for starting jobs, no stars but guys. Former 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon joins the club and it’s looking like he’ll be a starting cornerback after the team lost Shaquill Griffin and Quinton Dunbar. He’ll probably start alongside Tre Flowers and newcomer Pierre Desir. They also made moves on the defensive line, signing pass rushers Kerry Hyder and Aldon Smith. Smith has got some legal stuff going on right now, surprise surprise, but he had a solid 2020 with the Cowboys after missing four years due to suspension. The Seahawks also released star defensive lineman Jarran Reed in a cap saving move, which creates a sizable vacancy.
Conclusion: The Seahawks had to make a couple tough decisions, seeing several starters leave, but they brought in some help to fill those holes. They helped Wilson with the Jackson addition at guard, but there’s still work to be done. This is usually a solid drafting team, by they only have three picks this year, a 2nd, 4th, and 7th…not great. Their first round pick was essentially Jamal Adams, not bad, but you need draft picks. I’m sure they’ll find a way to acquire more picks by moving around the draft board, but you’re gonna need all the help you can get to compete in this division. Every other team made big moves as well, all in different capacities, so it’s gonna be hard to compete if you’re a sub-par roster. This is a crazy good division that plays good football, I’m ready for the 2021 season.
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