There is an argument made that the NFC West is the top division in the NFL, and the expectation is it will be ultra-competitive during the 2020 season. The Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks all expect to be playoff teams. The Arizona Cardinals are young, but they also should give a lot of teams trouble.
To live up to the expectations each team is going to need to have a big offseason. Let's breakdown one bold prediction for each team in the NFC West.
4. Cardinals trade Patrick Peterson
This might not actually be all that bold, but the Arizona Cardinals are going to finally move on Patrick Peterson. There has been all kinds of chatter the last few years about the team shipping off Peterson, but it finally happens now.
Peterson's cap hit is over $13 million for the 2020 season and it's clear he has taken a step back. The Cardinals pass defense was terrible during the 2019 season and the team could spend the money they save without Peterson on others to improve the team.
If they can't find a trade, the team needs to restructure with him to bring down his cap number. If he doesn't agree to a contract reduction, the team needs to move on.
3. Rams try to find trade for Todd Gurley
The Los Angeles Rams have a lot of money wrapped up in Todd Gurley and Jared Goff, which makes bringing in free agents tough. Gurley finished the 2019 season rushing for 857 yards and 12 touchdowns, but it's still clear he still isn't the same back he once was.
Gurley still has four years left on his contract, and there is no out until after the 2021 season. It's going to be hard to find a trade partner, but the team will do everything in their power to get him off the books.
2. Seahawks re-sign Jadeveon Clowney and sign Vic Beasley
The Seattle Seahawks need pass rushers badly and bringing back Jadeveon Clowney is just step one. After re-signing Clowney the team will also bring in Vic Beasley.
Beasley is an outside linebacker, but he is a guy who can rush the passer, and would be a major upgrade. A better pass rush is going to be key for this defense, and these two guys are a great start.
The Seahawks are going to have a really good off-season, and they will be a big problem next season for the rest of the league.
1. 49ers trade down in draft
The 49ers don't have many draft picks, so they will trade their first-round pick to try and get more. Currently, the 49ers only have a 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th.
Even on an experienced team, there is no way the team can only have four draft picks. Not only are young players important for the future of the team, but it also helps with the cap space.
Don't be surprised if the team trades away a few players for a couple of mid-round picks. Moving Matt Breida or Dante Pettis would make a lot of sense.
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