NFC West Team Needs: Cardinals seeking pass-rushing help; Rams could use QB
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering free agency.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest need: Pass-rusher
Other needs: Offensive line, cornerback, safety, quarterback
The Cardinals head into next season in a relatively good position offensively, as most of their core players are under contract through 2016. The offensive line could use some tweaking, though, particularly at center and right guard.
Quarterback isn't an immediate concern, but it's a position Arizona may want to look at. Carson Palmer is getting up there in age and backup Drew Stanton is a free agent.
Their top priority is adding pass-rushing help, which GM Steve Keim and head coach Bruce Arians both acknowledged after watching the team pressure Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton on a season-low 20.7 percent of dropbacks in the NFC Championship Game.
Potential free-agent targets: Jason Pierre-Paul, Malik Jackson, and Olivier Vernon are some of the players the Cardinals could turn to for pass-rushing help. A return to the desert could be a possibility for cornerback Antonio Cromartie, who was released by the New York Jets after just one season. Center Stefen Wisniewski could also be a good fit, as he played with Palmer in Oakland.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest need: Offensive line
Other needs: Defensive line, linebacker, cornerback, wide receiver
With starters Russell Okung and J.R. Sweezy headed toward free agency, and Justin Britt coming off a disappointing season, the Seahawks will have some decisions to make about their offensive line. They'll likely turn to the draft for some help at the position, but may want to add a veteran or two, as well.
The Seahawks could have some holes to plug on the defensive line and at linebacker, as Brandon Mebane, Ahtyba Rubin, and Bruce Irvin have expiring contracts. They're also in need of a reliable starting cornerback to pair with Richard Sherman.
Adding depth at wide receiver is another move Seattle may want to consider. Tyler Lockett had an impressive rookie season, but Jermaine Kearse's future is still up in the air and Doug Baldwin is entering a contract year.
Potential free-agent targets: Donald Penn is coming off a productive year in Oakland and would give the Seahawks a solid veteran presence on the O-line. Defensive end Malik Jackson would be a good fit, but is expected to command big money on the open market. Cheaper options include Jarvis Jenkins, Jason Jones, and Brandon Thompson.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest need: Quarterback
Other needs: Offensive line, wide receiver, tight end, cornerback
Nick Foles took a step backward in 2015 after two solid seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, posting a career-low completion percentage of 56.4 and eventually losing the starting quarterback job to journeyman Case Keenum. The Rams are moving ahead with Keenum as their starter, but he may not be the long-term answer.
Regardless of whether or not the Rams add a quarterback, they'll need to address their offensive line. Right guard Rodger Saffold is coming off an injury-plagued season that saw him play in just five games, and starting center Tim Barnes is headed to free agency.
Starting cornerback Janoris Jenkins is also set to hit the open market, and after placing the franchise tag on fellow cornerback Trumaine Johnson, the Rams may not be able to keep both. Wide receiver is another area of concern, as Kenny Britt, Tavon Austin, and Bradley Marquez are the only players currently under contract through 2016.
Potential free-agent targets: Robert Griffin III is expected to be cut loose by the Washington Redskins this offseason, and could be a high-risk, high-reward signing for the Rams. Potential offensive line targets include Manuel Ramirez, Stefen Wisniewski, and Russell Okung. Jermaine Kearse and Marvin Jones are among the wide receivers that could be of help.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest need: Offensive line
Other needs: Quarterback, wide receiver, defensive line, cornerback, linebacker
The 49ers first (and only) season under Jim Tomsula was a disaster, with the team posting their worst record since 2007. They have plenty of improvements to make on both sides of the ball this offseason after ranking 29th in total defense and 31st in total offense, and have nearly $50 million in cap space to work with.
Bolstering the offensive line should be a high priority for the 49ers, especially with Alex Boone set to hit the open market. Anthony Davis has said he intends to return to the NFL in 2016 after stepping away last year, but it's still unclear when and if that'll happen.
Depending on what happens with Colin Kaepernick, quarterback could also be a position of need. His agents have reportedly requested permission to seek a trade, though owner Jed York maintains Kaepernick's still a part of the 49ers' future plans. With Anquan Boldin unsigned for 2016 and approaching 36 years old, the 49ers could also be in the market for a wide receiver.
Potential free-agent targets: One of the top left tackles on the market, Kelechi Osemele has been linked to the 49ers. Mitchell Schwartz and Ramon Foster are two others they could look at. On defense, Malik Jackson, Bruce Irvin, and Nick Perry would all be worthy targets.
