NFC West free agency preview: Tough choices for Seahawks, 49ers
A snapshot of each team's roster and considerations heading into free agency, which officially begins March 10 at 4 p.m. ET:
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Prominent free agents: OLB John Abraham, OLB Sam Acho, CB Antonio Cromartie, DL Darnell Dockett (released), G Paul Fanaika, ILB Larry Foote, WR Ted Ginn (released), TE Rob Housler, DL Tommy Kelly, NT Dan Williams
Issues: Arizona has already addressed its cap challenges by redoing WR Larry Fitzgerald's deal and discarding Dockett's $6.8 million 2015 salary. But GM Steve Keim is facing a major rebuild of his defensive front seven, which is also still missing suspended ILB Daryl Washington.
Our advice: Given the challenges of finding effective space eaters, re-signing underrated Williams should probably be atop the priority list. But with Dockett bolting to San Francisco, Keim still must worry about his D-line, linebackers and depth elsewhere. Luring a mid-tier back like Justin Forsett for Bruce Arians' offense would also be beneficial.
NFL DRAFT HUB: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades and analysis.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
Prominent free agents: T Joe Barksdale, WR Kenny Britt, QB Shaun Hill, G Davin Joseph, TE Lance Kendricks, DT Kendall Langford (released)
Issues: They're again hoping QB Sam Bradford will be healthy enough to vault them from tough regular-season matchup to tough playoff matchup. Barring that, the Rams need a better plan B QB, must replenish the O-line's depth and could use help at wideout and corner.
Our advice: The quarterback market is thin in free agency and the draft. But Hill and Austin Davis weren't sufficient replacements for Bradford, so making a strong bid for Mark Sanchez or Brian Hoyer this year seems sensible. It shouldn't cost much to re-sign Britt, whose presence could allow for the patient development of another young receiver assuming one is drafted.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Prominent free agents: CB Chris Cook, CB Perrish Cox, WR Michael Crabtree, CB Chris Culliver, QB Blaine Gabbert, RB Frank Gore, G Mike Iupati, QB Josh Johnson, WR Brandon Lloyd, ST/WR Kassim Osgood, ST/LB Dan Skuta
Issues: They're facing a significant exodus of talent while hoping DL Justin Smith returns and ILBs Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman can recapture their star form in the aftermath of major injuries. The Niners will also be in the market for a backup to QB Colin Kaepernick yet again.
Our advice: Iupati is their best free agent, but GM Trent Baalke would probably be wise to allot his limited cap space elsewhere after already importing DL Darnell Dockett. Keeping the ascending Culliver to address one of the corner spots should probably take precedence. Keeping Gore's heart and soul at the right price makes sense. But it's time to part with Crabtree, who's proven injury-prone but not elite.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
Prominent free agents: OL James Carpenter, ST/LB Heath Farwell, QB Tarvaris Jackson, OL Lemuel Jeanpierre, S Jeron Johnson, CB Byron Maxwell, TE Zach Miller (releasaed), TE Tony Moeaki, DE O'Brien Schofield, DT D'Anthony Smith, LB Malcolm Smith, FB Will Tukuafu, DT Jesse Williams (released), DT Kevin Williams
Issues: GM John Schneider has a nice chunk of cap space, but he'll need it and might even have to create more. It's time to pay QB Russell Wilson now that RB Marshawn Lynch has received his raise. MLB Bobby Wagner and LT Russell Okung could both hit free agency in 2016. Even restricted free agent WR Jermaine Kearse needs a bump but could also use more help in his position room.
Our advice: Let's assume Wilson gets his deserved contract extension. Given that, Schneider knows he probably can't afford Maxwell and should probably be targeting affordable help to replace him and add depth to a banged-up Legion of Boom. Jackson and Kevin Williams, if he wants to keep playing, are respected vets who should be kept at the right price. Wagner should get priority over Okung, though both may have to wait quite a while. Miller came off the payroll after failing a physical.
***
Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis
