Rams – C+
Main Additions: WR Davante Adams, DT Poona Ford, C Coleman Shelton
Main Re-Signings: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, T Alaric Jackson, WR Tutu Atwell
Main Losses: WR Cooper Kupp (cut), G Jonah Jackson (trade), DT Neville Gallimore, WR Demarcus Robinson, TE Hunter Long, DT Bobby Brown III
The Rams shocked people releasing fan favorite Cooper Kupp in a salary saving move, but Davante Adams as a replacement should fit very well. Ford is a solid run stopper/NT who takes on double teams replacing Brown III. Shelton was the starting Center for the Rams before spending last season with the Bears so he’s familiar with the team/system; he helps replace Jonah Jackson. Garoppolo is a good #2 QB and was brought back at a good price. Re-signing Alaric Jackson brings continuity at the LT position. Atwell is a good slot WR with starting and returner experience all with the Rams. Gallimore is another run stopping DT loss so depth may be needed. Robinson filled in nicely when the injuries came, but his replacement is in house similar with Long.
Cardinals – B-
Main Additions: Edge Josh Sweat, QB Jacoby Brissett, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
Main Re-Signings: Edge Baron Browning, C Evan Brown, WR Zay Jones, DT L.J. Collier
Main Losses: DT Roy Lopez, DT Khyiris Tonga
The Cardinals shocked most people landing the top pass rusher on the market in Josh Sweat coming off a SB with the Eagles reuniting with his old DC. Brissett gives them a good veteran #2 QB. Tomlinson is a solid run stopper/NT who will replace Lopez and Tonga who served the same purpose. Davis-Gaither is an athletic LB who didn’t play much for the Bengals but will get a chance here. Re-signing Browning was a big move as a young, improving pass rusher/LB. Brown can play both Center and Guard starting all last season at Center. Jones is athletic WR who will see snaps if healthy this season. Collier is a solid run stopper anywhere on the D-line.
Seahawks – C+
Main Additions: QB Sam Darnold, Edge Demarcus Lawrence, WR Cooper Kupp, WR Marques Valdez-Scantling
Main Re-Signings: DT Jarran Reed, LB Ernest Jones
Main Losses: QB Geno Smith (trade), WR D.K. Metcalf (trade), WR Tyler Lockett (cut), DT Dre’Mont Jones, CB Tre Brown
The Seahawks had a crazy offensive turnover trading Geno Smith when many thought an extension was coming, then cutting Lockett after years of solid production. Metcalf was sent out next in another surprising move leaving the WR core bare. The Seahawks signed Darnold to be the new starter after a solid season with the Vikings. Lawrence is a veteran pass rusher with a lot left in the tank to help replace the pass rush of Jones. Kupp and Valdez-Scantling were signed as replacements at WRs, but Kupp has injury concerns and Valdez-Scantling can be inconsistent. Reed is a solid DT who can lineup outside bringing good pass rush and run stopping. Ernest Jones is a solid run stopping LB who can play in coverage. Brown is a smaller physical CB with starting experience, but Seahawks know how to find DB’s.
49ers – F
Main Additions: QB Mac Jones, WR Demarcus Robinson, CB Tre Brown, RB Patrick Taylor Jr.
Main Re-Signings: FB Kyle Juszczyk
Main Losses: WR Deebo Samuel (trade), CB Charvarius Ward, LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, T Jaylon Moore, DT Maliek Collins, Edge Leonard Floyd, DT Javon Hargrave (cut), QB Josh Dobbs, RB Elijah Mitchell, RB Jordan Mason, QB Brandon Allen, CB Isaac Yiadom, G Aaron Banks
The 49ers had a lot of losses during free agency with a lot of teams grabbing their players quickly. They started off trading Deebo bringing much needed savings and his replacement is in house. Jones takes the place of Dobbs and Allen linking Shanahan with a QB he almost drafted, giving them an experienced #2. Robinson provides good depth at the position as he shown last season, he’s always ready to play. Brown is a physical nickel CB with the ability to slide outside. Taylor Jr. is an improving young RB with limited carries who will replace Mitchell and/or Mason.
Re-signing fan favorite Kyle Juszczyk was a good move for the run game. The 49ers signed two Safeties to help offset the loss of Hufanga who was talented but came with injuries. Ward and Yiadom will be missed in the secondary, especially Ward leaving a hole at the #1 CB spot. The losses of Moore and Banks show O-line reinforcements will be needed. Hargrave and Collins are big losses up the middle and in the pass rush so the D-line will need help as well. Floyd was a solid pass rusher at LB and Greenlaw’s leadership, toughness, and tackling leaves needs at LB also.
