The NFL free agency frenzy has settled, and the spotlight shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft. Teams have been busy, shelling out hefty sums to bolster their rosters. Now, we start to get a clearer picture of how each team might stack up this season.
Let's dive into the latest post-free agency power rankings, focusing on the NFC West, and see where the teams stand after the dust has settled.
Los Angeles Rams, No. 1 Overall
The Rams have made history in the PFF era, becoming the first team to top both offensive (93.0) and defensive (86.9) rankings in the same season. With NFL and PFF MVP Matthew Stafford and Offensive Player of the Year Puka Nacua leading the charge, the Rams were a powerhouse last year.
However, they faced challenges in their secondary, which faltered late in the season. Addressing this, the Rams made bold moves by acquiring cornerback Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson, both instrumental in the Chiefs’ top-tier coverage unit. These strategic additions leave the Rams with minimal weaknesses, setting them up for another dominant season.
Seattle Seahawks, No. 2 Overall
The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seahawks, have seen some key departures, including Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, several defensive starters, and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Despite these losses, Seattle retains a robust core across all phases of the game, the blueprint for their championship success.
With standout talents like Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba and top-rated cornerback Devon Witherspoon, the Seahawks remain formidable. They also secured elite returner Rashid Shaheed.
The big question is whether they can replicate their 2026 success without Walker and their offensive coordinator. The defense, however, still looks strong.
San Francisco 49ers, No. 10 Overall
Facing potential losses with Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne in free agency, and Brandon Aiyuk likely to leave, the 49ers took a calculated approach to their receiving corps. Instead of overpaying to keep Jennings or Bourne, they signed veteran Mike Evans.
Despite injury setbacks, Evans continues to deliver at a high level, marking his 12th consecutive season with a 70.0-plus PFF receiving grade. His addition should keep the 49ers' fourth-ranked offense humming.
While Bourne moved to the Cardinals, Evans represents a significant upgrade. Staying healthy will be key, but the 49ers remain a strong contender despite last season's injury woes.
Arizona Cardinals, No. 31 Overall
The Cardinals' offseason narrative has been dominated by Kyler Murray's departure. Even though the team showed some offensive spark without him, their roster on paper leaves much to be desired, reflected in their offensive (70.4, 22nd) and defensive (50.7, 30th) ratings. The defense, in particular, is a concern, and without substantial investment, the Cardinals' 2026 prospects look dim.
The Cardinals' free agency moves raise questions about their strategy. While they might have improved slightly at running back, their choice of Jaoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew at quarterback, who together have a 37-75 record as starters, suggests a potential rebuild or tanking strategy.