The NFC West was a disappointment in 2024. The Rams skated into the playoffs thanks to weak division play. They blew out the Vikings but couldn’t quite get past Philly in a snowstorm. The 49ers took the biggest step back of any team in the league. From the Super Bowl the previous season to only six wins. This team looked lost, injured, and defeated almost the entire year. The Seahawks took a step forward with new head coach Mike Macdonald. They were close to the postseason but came up short. And the Cardinals were just the Cardinals. Mediocre per usual with no clear path of how to win in the future. Here’s our 2025 NFC West team needs analysis.
San Francisco 49ers
Needs: WR, DT, EDGE, S
The Niners already made a big move this offseason by unloading Deebo Samuel in a trade to Washington that netted them just a fifth-round pick. Brandon Aiyuk will be coming off an ACL tear which leaves Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall as the two wideouts in the Bay. Once they get the Brock Purdy contract under control, they’ll need to address the WR room while also making younger and significant changes to their defensive line which was beaten badly by the run last season. Pair that with LB Dre Greenlaw potentially walking in free agency, and San Francisco could have their hands full.
Arizona Cardinals
Needs: Edge, DT, WR, OG
The Cardinals once again were in the middle of the pack, or at the bottom, of the West and it seems like nothing changes year after year. Their defense was a major liability in 2024 as they were beaten on the ground and created almost no pass rush whatsoever. They should be suitors for some of the top pass rushers on the market while they also look to address their wide receiver room through the draft. They took Marvin Harrison Jr. with a top five pick last year, so I would expect a day two pick to be launched that way again as they look to give Kyler Murray help.
Seattle Seahawks
Needs: WR, OG, QB, LB, DT
Seattle just released their 2nd leading receiver of all time, behind Steve Largent, and D.K. Metcalf wants to be traded. So, WR is priority 1 here. Geno Smith is entering the final year of his contract. However, in a draft that is weak at the QB position, they might have to wait another year to select his eventual replacement and focus on other upgrades. Getting a dependable guard on the line to protect their QB should be of the utmost importance. After that, they must shift to the defensive side of the ball. Macdonald is a former defensive coordinator so he knows where this side of the ball needs to improve and will likely spend his money there. Maybe a trade with the Ravens to bring in former personnel will be on the table.
Los Angeles Rams
Needs: OT, WR, CB, LB
After lots of rumors over Matt Stafford’s future, the Rams and their QB came to a deal that will keep Stafford in LA until he retires. I hope that the agreement came with a request from Stafford to upgrade their offensive line and to get younger and healthier at the wide receiver position. It looks like Cooper Kupp has played his final game as a Ram so they will look to build at the position through the draft. They have hit on the D-line in recent drafts. Rookie Defensive Player of the Year Jared Verse had a great rookie season and could be the Aaron Donald replacement that this team needs.