Best and worst offseason moves by every team: NFC West
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Best: Stocking up at quarterback
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The Cardinals cleared out their 2017 quarterbacks room.
Carson Palmer retired shortly after the conclusion of the regular season, while Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert were allowed to leave in free agency. Veterans Sam Bradford and Mike Glennon were added on low-risk, short-term deals, and general manager Steve Keim traded up from No. 15 to No. 10 to select a sliding Josh Rosen.
New head coach Steve Wilks has left the door open for Rosen to start in his rookie season. If he is ultimately left on the bench, the soon-to-be 31-year-old Bradford and his 71.8 completion percentage over the past two years will offer guidance and tutelage to the quarterback of the future,.
Worst: Gambling on the offensive line
The Cardinals attempted to address an offensive line that allowed more sacks than all but two teams in 2017. Part of that can be blamed on the quarterback play, but the oft-injured Bradford and inexperienced Rosen need improved protection.
Andre Smith and Justin Pugh were brought in via free agency and are expected to slot in on the right side of the line, but the two veterans are coming off poor 2017 seasons. Pugh missed eight of the New York Giants last nine games due to injury, and he hasn't played a full 16 games since his rookie campaign of 2013.
He could have a tough time living up to his five-year, $45.025-million deal.
Los Angeles Rams
Best: Building star-studded secondary
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Both Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib were brought in via trade to join franchise-tagged safety Lamarcus Joyner and replace highly-paid free agent Trumaine Johnson.
The duo adds a lot of personality to the up-and-coming roster, but their on-field play remains at a high level. Peters and Talib ranked as Pro Football Focus' No. 17 and No. 15 corners in 2017, respectively. They'll bolster a unit that ranked 13th in passing yards allowed and sixth in interceptions last season.
Worst: Delaying Aaron Donald's extension
The Rams remain adamant that a mega-extension is planned and soon coming for defensive tackle Aaron Donald, but until then, it appears as though the star defender won't be taking any risks.
Considering the Rams' dramatic roster turnover this offseason, especially on the defensive side of the ball, the team would be wise to give Donald a reason to be spending time with his new teammates.
San Francisco 49ers
Best: Protecting Jimmy Garoppolo
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The 49ers made a point to address their offensive line this offseason in order to help ensure highly-paid passer Jimmy Garoppolo will stay upright in his first full year with the team.
Former New York Giants center Weston Richburg was brought in as a free agent and tackle Mike McGlinchey was chosen with the ninth overall pick of the 2018 draft. Joshua Garnett, the 28th pick of the 2016 draft, should return after missing the entirety of last season due to a knee injury.
The additions fortify the right side of the line alongside six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley.
Worst: Passing on top free-agent receivers
Marquise Goodwin, Pierre Garcon, and Trent Taylor provided the 49ers with adequate production in 2017. Garcon will return from the neck injury that prematurely ended his first season in San Francisco to re-assume his role as the de facto No. 1 option.
The team stayed out of the free-agent competition for the likes of Allen Robinson, Sammy Watkins, and Paul Richardson - who all landed deals of at least $40 million - and instead chose to make second-round pick Dante Pettis their main addition.
Pettis scored 22 touchdowns over his final two years at Washington, but he doesn't have the appeal many wanted to see paired with Garoppolo.
Seattle Seahawks
Best: Keeping Earl Thomas, for now
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In an offseason that saw free agents walk and star defenders be either released or traded, the Seahawks' best move may have been one they chose not to make.
The future of six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro safety Earl Thomas has been uncertain ever since a game against the Dallas Cowboys this season after which he ran to meet Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett and said "If you have a chance to get me, come get me."
He's since dialed back that sentiment, and the Cowboys reportedly refused to trade a second-round pick for Thomas at the draft.
He has just the 2018 season remaining on his current contract with the Seahawks, but remains key to the defense potentially returning to its former elite level.
Worst: Not addressing the O-line
Former New York Giants lineman D.J. Fluker was the Seahawks principle addition to an O-line that allowed 43 sacks and helped the rushing attack average just 4.0 yards per carry last season.
Tackle Duane Brown returns for his first full year with the club, and center Justin Britt and tackle Germain Ifedi are expected to remain starters. Luke Joeckel has left after just one sub-par campaign, with 2017 second-round pick Ethan Pocic likely to step into a larger role in his place.
The Seahawks selected running back Rashaad Penny with the 27th overall pick of the draft, passing on linemen Austin Corbett, Will Hernandez, and Braden Smith - who all went early in the second round. Penny joins, and is expected to lead, a backfield group of Chris Carson, Mike Davis, C.J. Prosise, and J.D. McKissic, who all failed to rush for more yards than quarterback Russell Wilson in 2017.
There's no guaranteeing Penny will have significantly more success without improvements up front.