NFC West Offseason Grades 2023
San Francisco 49ers’ Offseason 2023
Draft Picks:
- R3 (87): S Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
- R3 (99): K Jake Moody, Michigan
- R3 (101): TE Cameron Latu, Alabama
- R5 (155): CB Darrell Luter Jr., South Alabama
- R5 (173): EDGE Robert Beal Jr., Georgia
- R6 (216): LB Dee Winters, TCU
- R7 (247): TE Brayden Willis, Oklahoma
- R7 (253): WR Ronnie Bell, Michigan
- R7 (255): LB Jalen Graham, Purdue
The 49ers’ draft was a bit curious, with the decision to take a kicker in the third round standing out. Jake Moody was the nation’s top kicker, but the value of the 99th overall selection for a kicker is debatable. The first pick, Ji’Ayir Brown, was the only draftee to rank among the top 220 prospects.
Free Agent Signings:
- DI Javon Hargrave (Eagles): A significant addition to the defensive line.
- DI Kerry Hyder: Added depth to the defensive line.
- S Tashaun Gipson Sr.: A veteran presence in the secondary.
- C Jake Brendel: Added to the offensive line.
- DI Austin Bryant: Another addition to the defensive line.
- QB Sam Darnold: Brought in as a potential bridge or backup quarterback.
- C Jon Feliciano: Signed for offensive line depth.
- DE Austin Bryant: A one-year deal to add speed and burst to the defensive line.
- DB Myles Hartsfield: A one-year contract for secondary depth.
New Contracts:
- OL Colton McKivitz: Two-year deal.
- DB Tashaun Gipson: One-year deal.
- LS Taybor Pepper: Three-year deal.
- WR Jauan Jennings: ERFA tender.
- DT Kevin Givens: One-year deal.
- C Jake Brendel: Four-year deal.
- LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles: One-year deal.
- DT T.Y. McGill: One-year deal.
- TE Ross Dwelley: One-year deal.
- DE Kerry Hyder: Contract details not specified.
Losses:
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Raiders)
- OT Mike McGlinchey (Broncos)
- ED Charles Omenihu (Chiefs)
- CB Emmanuel Moseley (Lions)
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair (Titans)
- S Jimmie Ward (Texans)
- OT Mike McGlinchey (Broncos)
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair (Titans)
- EDGE Samson Ebukam (Colts)
- OL Daniel Brunskill (Titans)
- DE Charles Omenihu (Chiefs)
- DT Maurice Hurst (Browns)
- DB Tarvarius Moore (Packers)
- DE Jordan Willis (Raiders)
Offseason Grade: C+
The 49ers made some significant moves, particularly in signing Javon Hargrave, but they also lost several key players. The draft was somewhat limited, and the decision to pick a kicker in the third round may raise eyebrows. The team addressed some needs but also has questions at QB, offensive line, and defense that deserve attention. The grade reflects a mixed bag of good signings and questionable decisions, with room for improvement in certain areas.
Rams’ Offseason 2023
Draft Highlights:
- R2 (36): G Steve Avila, TCU
- R3 (77): EDGE Byron Young, Tennessee
- R3 (89): Kobie Turner, Wake Forest
- R4 (128): QB Stetson Bennett, Georgia
- R5 (174): OT Warren McClendon, Georgia
- R5 (175): TE Davis Allen, Clemson
- R5 (177): WR Puka Nacua, BYU
- R5 (161): EDGE Nick Hampton, App State
The Rams were one of the most active teams on Days 2 and 3 of the draft, making a total of 14 selections. They scored value picks like CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson and added a significant influx of youth to the roster.
Free Agency Signings:
- CB Ahkello Witherspoon
- WR Demarcus Robinson
- WR Tyler Johnson
- DL Marquise Copeland (1-year deal)
- OL Coleman Shelton (2-year deal)
- LB Christian Rozeboom (Tendered as exclusive rights free agent)
- CB Shaun Jolly (Tendered as exclusive rights free agent)
- OLB Michael Hoecht (Tendered as exclusive rights free agent)
Free Agency Losses:
- C Coleman Shelton
- S Taylor Rapp (Buffalo)
- DI A’Shawn Robinson (NYG)
- QB Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay)
- S Nick Scott (Cincinnati)
- DI Greg Gaines (Tampa Bay)
- G David Edwards (Buffalo)
- CB Troy Hill (FA)
New Contracts:
- OL Joe Noteboom (Restructured, Cap space created: $9 million)
- C Brian Allen (Restructured, Cap space created: $3.2 million)
Cuts:
- OLB Leonard Floyd (Cap space created: $3 million)
- LB Bobby Wagner (Cap space created: $5 million)
Trades:
- Jalen Ramsey to Dolphins (Rams trade: Jalen Ramsey, Dolphins trade: 3rd-round pick (No. 77) + TE Hunter Long)
- Allen Robinson to Steelers (Rams trade: Allen Robinson + 7th-round pick (No. 251), Steelers trade: 7th-round pick (No. 234))
Overview:
The Rams had a relatively quiet free agency period, with little room under the cap ($1.76 million in space). They focused on shedding money and free-agent losses rather than bringing in marquee players. The team made strategic decisions, such as not restructuring big deals to sign high-priced free agents, considering the age and recent injuries to key players like Aaron Donald and Matthew Stafford.
The draft was where the Rams made their mark, walking away with 14 selections and focusing on a youth movement. The team’s best move was not “running it back” but instead focusing on rebuilding and preparing for the future.
Grade: B-
The Rams’ offseason strategy was sensible and focused on the long-term future of the team. While they didn’t make any blockbuster moves in free agency, their draft strategy was commendable, adding a significant number of young talents to the roster. The grade reflects a balanced approach, taking into consideration the limitations they had with the cap space and the need to infuse youth into the team. The release of key players like Leonard Floyd and Bobby Wagner, along with the trade of Jalen Ramsey, might raise some concerns, but overall, the Rams seem to be on a path towards a rebuild with a clear vision in mind.
Cardinals’ Offseason 2023
Draft Highlights
- Round 1 (6): T Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
- Round 2 (41): EDGE BJ Ojulari, LSU
- Round 3 (72): CB Garrett Williams, Syracuse
- Round 3 (94): WR Michael Wilson, Stanford
- Round 4 (122): G Jon Gaines II, UCLA
- Round 5 (139): QB Clayton Tune, Houston
- Round 5 (168): LB Owen Pappoe, Auburn
Free Agency Signings:
- LB Kyzir White (Eagles)
- OL Hjalte Froholdt (Browns)
- DL Kevin Strong (Titans)
- WR Zach Pascal (Eagles)
- DL L.J. Collier (Seahawks)
Free Agency Losses:
- QB Trace McSorley – Signed with Patriots
- OL Cody Ford – Signed with Bengals
- OL Joshua Miles – Signed with Falcons
- DL Zach Allen – Agreed with Broncos
- DL Michael Dogbe – Signed with Jaguars
- DL Trysten Hill – Signed with Browns
- LB Kamu Grugier-Hill – Signed with Panthers
- LB Ben Niemann – Signed with Titans
- CB Byron Murphy Jr. – Agreed with Vikings
New Contracts:
- RB Corey Clement – Re-signed 1-year deal
- OL Kelvin Beachum – Agreed to a 2-year deal
- OL Will Hernandez – Re-signed 2-year deal
- K Matt Prater – Agreed to a 2-year deal
Overview:
The Cardinals had about $33 million in cap space and made several moves to bolster their roster. They added depth to various positions, particularly on the defensive side, with signings like Kyzir White and Kevin Strong. They also made some key re-signings, including offensive linemen Kelvin Beachum and Will Hernandez.
However, they lost some significant players, including Zach Allen to the Broncos and Byron Murphy to the Vikings. The team’s approach to free agency seems to be more about adding depth and role players rather than making splashy signings.
Grade: B+
The Cardinals’ offseason has been relatively quiet, and while they have made some sensible signings, they haven’t made any significant moves to elevate the team to the next level. Losing Zach Allen and Byron Murphy could hurt the defense, and the lack of standout signings or a clear direction for improvement leads to a grade of B+. The draft elevated this grade substantially thanks to their trade with the Texans. They could potentially have a couple of top 10 or even higher draft picks in 2024.
Seahawks’ 2023 offseason
Draft Highlights:
- Round 1 (5): CB Devon Witherspoon, Illinois
- Round 1 (20): WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
- Round 2 (37): EDGE Derick Hall, Auburn
- Round 2 (52): RB Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
- Round 4 (108): G Anthony Bradford, LSU
- Round 4 (123): DI Cameron Young, Mississippi State
- Round 5 (151): EDGE Mike Morris, Michigan
- Round 5 (154): C Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan
Free Agency Signings:
- DE Dre’Mont Jones: A versatile 26-year-old defensive lineman, expected to bring disruptiveness to the D-line.
- DE Jarran Reed: Returning to Seattle, Reed provides an inside rush presence.
- C Evan Brown: A solid option with starting experience, can also play guard.
- LB Devin Bush: A four-year starter for the Steelers, adds depth at linebacker.
- S Julian Love: A versatile defensive back who can play various positions.
- LB Bobby Wagner: A franchise icon, returns to Seattle to provide leadership and playmaking ability.
Free Agency Losses:
- RB Rashaad Penny: Signed with Eagles, a productive back when healthy.
- LB Cody Barton: Signed with Commanders, productive in his first season as a starter.
- RB Travis Homer: Signed with Bears, a significant loss on special teams.
- DE L.J. Collier: Signed with Cardinals, another change to Seattle’s defensive front.
- S Johnathan Abram: Signed with Saints, appeared in five games for Seattle in 2022.
- C/G Kyle Fuller: Signed with Broncos, provided versatile interior line depth.
- S Ryan Neal: Signed with Buccaneers, significant part of Seattle’s secondary over the past three seasons.
- WR Marquise Goodwin: Signed with Browns, served as Seattle’s third receiver.
Free Agents Retained:
- QB Geno Smith: Coming off a Pro-Bowl season, answers the biggest question for the Seahawks.
- K Jason Myers: Led the NFL in scoring, a big boost on special teams.
- LB/FB Nick Bellore: A productive special teams player and a leader on the field.
- G Phil Haynes: Leading candidate to start at right guard.
- QB Drew Lock: Provides continuity and quality depth at the quarterback position.
- WR Cody Thompson: Gives the offense experienced depth at receiver.
Other Moves:
- Extensions: Signed four players to contract extensions before free agency: QB Geno Smith, K Jason Myers, G Phil Haynes, and special teams captain Nick Bellore.
- Releases: Released veteran defensive linemen Shelby Harris and Quinton Jefferson, as well as guard Gabe Jackson.
Overview:
The Seahawks made some significant moves in free agency, particularly on the defensive side, with additions like Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed. They also brought back franchise icon Bobby Wagner, who should provide leadership and playmaking ability. The retention of Geno Smith and Jason Myers adds stability to key positions.
However, the loss of Rashaad Penny and Cody Barton could impact the team’s depth, and the departure of Marquise Goodwin leaves a gap at the receiver position.
Grade: A-
The Seahawks had a solid offseason, making key additions to the defense and retaining important players. The signings of Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed should bolster the defensive line, and the return of Bobby Wagner adds experience and leadership. The losses are notable but not devastating, and the team seems to have a clear direction in building the roster. The grade reflects a well-balanced approach to free agency, addressing needs without overspending, and setting the team up for success in the coming season.
