Over the past few seasons, the NFC West has become one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. As a matter of fact, since 2013, an NFC West team has made an appearance in the Super Bowl five times.
The Arizona Cardinals are the only team in the division that hasn't made a Super Bowl appearance in the last decade. However, entering Kliff Kingsbury's second year, there is optimism for the franchise moving forward.
For the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, it's all about improving the rosters to get back to being a Super Bowl contender. Last but not least, the San Francisco 49ers are focused on defending their NFC West crown in 2020.
Regardless of where each team is in terms of talent, all of them will likely be involved in free agency one way or another. In light of that, here is one player each team in the NFC West needs to sign in NFL free agency.
Arizona Cardinals – Javon Hargrave
Heading into the offseason, the Cardinals have a grocery list of needs on the roster. With that being said, none of their needs might be bigger than the glaring one on the defensive line.
When free agency begins, Rodney Gunter, Zach Kerr, and Clinton McDonald are all set to become unrestricted free agents for Arizona. Regardless of who they re-sign, the Cardinals need to address the defensive line.
One name that should interest fans in Arizona is Javon Hargrave. Hargrave has been a mainstay on the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line since 2016. While he's a stout run defender, Hargrave has made improvements as a pass rusher, totaling 10.5 sacks in the past two seasons. At the least, adding Hargrave would drastically improve Arizona's 24th ranked run defense from 2019.
Los Angeles Rams – Connor McGovern
Last offseason, the Rams chose to allow Rodger Saffold to walk in free agency. Early in the 2019 season, it was apparent that they had made a mistake by letting the Pro Bowl guard leave for the Tennessee Titans.
After having a revolving door along the offensive line in 2019, the Rams need to set their sights on improving in the trenches for next season. More specifically, finding an interior offensive lineman would be ideal.
Entering free agency, the Rams are in jeopardy of losing Cory Littleton and Dante Fowler on defense. Considering Littleton and Fowler could price themselves out of Los Angeles, it may be best to play the compensatory pick game and let them sign elsewhere.
In an attempt to correctly replace Saffold, Los Angeles could target Connor McGovern from the Denver Broncos. McGovern played right guard before making the move to center in 2019. Despite having limited cap space, the Rams would benefit from inserting McGovern on their offensive line.
San Francisco 49ers – Arik Armstead
The most recent team to make the Super Bowl in the NFC West was the 49ers just this past season. Unfortunately, for fans in the Bay Area, San Francisco fell short of securing the franchise's sixth Super Bowl.
Nevertheless, the 49ers laid the groundwork to become a contender for years to come. While Kyle Shanahan improved the offense, the defense turned into one of the best groups. Alongside Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, and DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead had a breakout season in 2019.
After combining for just nine sacks in his first four years, Armstead recorded 10 sacks and two forced fumbles this past season. To keep the defense intact moving forward, San Francisco should prioritize re-signing Armstead this offseason.
Seattle Seahawks – Bryan Bulaga
While Russell Wilson was enjoying time at the Pro Bowl earlier this year, he made it known that he wants some help on offense. Last offseason, Seattle selected D.K. Metcalf with the 64th overall pick, pairing him with Tyler Lockett.
With the duo of Metcalf and Lockett, Wilson had one of the best seasons of his career, throwing 31 touchdowns and only five interceptions. At the same time, the Seahawks continue to neglect the offensive line, with Wilson being sacked at least 40 times in each of the last seven seasons.
Aside from the offensive line, the Seahawks have to make a decision on Jadeveon Clowney in free agency. But considering he's seeking $23 million annually, he may have already made the decision for Seattle.
Even though it wouldn't be a flashy move, Bryan Bulaga would be a perfect signing for the Seahawks. Since 2010, Bulaga has anchored the right tackle position for the Green Bay Packers. Instead of deploying Germain Ifedi — who surrendered six sacks in 2019 — Seattle could create a formidable tackle duo of Duane Brown and Bulaga.
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