Most experts were wrong about how the NFC West would unfold in 2022. Many expected the Russell Wilson-less Seattle Seahawks to crater and be in the conversation for the league’s worst record. But, the Seahawks finished the season with a winning record and made the playoffs with Geno Smith under center. On the other side of the coin, the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams cratered, finishing with a 5-12 record after multiple injuries on both sides of the ball. The Arizona Cardinals also underachieved, leading to a head coaching change. The San Francisco 49ers had the most success despite some real adversity. They went through three quarterbacks and still found themselves in the NFC Championship game for the second consecutive season.
Key Offseason Dates
March 7th: Prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Tag on Players.
March 13th-March 15th: During the period beginning at 12:00 noon, New York time, on March 14 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 16, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2022 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 15.
March 15th: The 2023 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4 p.m., New York time.
San Francisco 49ers
Image: Michael Zagaris / Getty Images / 2022
Key Free Agents: RT Mike McGlinchey, CB Emmanuel Moseley, QB Jimmy Garoppolo, FS Jimmie Ward, DE Samson Ebukam, LB Azeez Al-Shaair, C Jake Brendel, K Robbie Gould
Potential Cuts/Trade Candidates: DT Javon Kinlaw
Draft Picks: 10
Salary Cap Space: $3.1 million (per spotrac.com)
Biggest Needs: C, CB, OG, DT, RT
The 49ers quarterback room looked like it was going to be an interesting storyline heading into the offseason. But, with the retirement of Tom Brady, talks have shifted about the future of the 49ers quarterback room. My guess is that there is a 98% chance that the 49ers will enter the 2023 season with Brock Purdy and Trey Lance duking it out for the starting job. Purdy will be recovering from offseason elbow surgery, so Lance will likely get the first shot at OTA’s and mini camp. The 2% chance that the 49ers don’t role with Lance or Purdy would likely indicate that they acquire Aaron Rodgers. However, I don’t envision the Packers dealing him within the NFC conference.
The 49ers will spend the majority of the offseason addressing their own free agents. RT Mike McGlinchey is someone who could command close to $15 million per year. Franchising McGlinchey would cost $18.2 million. The 28-year old McGlinchey started every game last season, and was a real anchor on the right side of the offensive line. San Francisco could free up some cap space by extending guys like LB Fred Warner and DE Aric Armstead.
CB Emmanuel Moseley is also going to cost the 49ers a good chunk of change. Mosley could get close to $15 million a year on the open market. I’d be surprised if Mosley was franchised, that would cost the 49ers $18.1 million. The 49ers don’t have a draft pick until the third round, so expect them to do most of their damage through free agency.
Seattle Seahawks
Image: Erza Shaw / Getty Images / 2022
Key Free Agents: QB Geno Smith, DE Poona Ford, S Ryan Neal, DE L.J. Collier
Potential Cuts/Trade Candidates: DT Shelby Harris, DT Quinton Jefferson, G Gabe Jackson
Draft Picks: 9
Salary Cap Space: $31.34 million (according to spotrac.com)
Biggest Needs: OG, S, CB, DE, QB
The success story of the 2022 Seahawks may have been the league’s biggest surprise, and they are set up for some success this offseason. As it currently stands, the Seahawks have the 8th most cap space in the league, along with four draft picks in the first two rounds. The biggest story will be Geno Smith’s future. After being a backup quarterback for six seasons, Smith had a career season, throwing 30 touchdown passes with the league’s best completion percentage (69.8). This season was clearly an outlier in Smith’s career, so how will the Seahawks approach his free agent status? In a quarterback market that has been going up by the day, Smith would likely command a contract that may approach $40 million on an annual basis. Placing the Franchise Tag on Geno Smith would cost the Seahawks $32.4 million in 2023. The Seahawks also hold the fifth-overall pick of the draft, which could also be a prime draft pick to land them their quarterback of the future. With all that being said, I ultimately predict that Smith ends up playing on the Franchise Tag in 2023, but it wouldn’t shock me if the sides reached a short-term deal. Even with Smith in the fold the Seahawks should still explore this quarterback draft-class.
Other than Geno Smith’s contract status, the Seahawks should be players in the market for help in the secondary. Even with Jamal Adams returning the Seahawks should still be highly active in the market for a safety, specifically one that can play in coverage.
The offensive line which has been a weak point in Seattle for nearly a decade, remains a top priority. Geno Smith was sacked 46 times in 2022. Last season, Seattle used a first-round on OT Charles Cross. But, this offseason should be about solidifying the interior of their offensive line. OG Gabe Jackson seems like an logical cut candidate, so replacing him would help Seattle settle their offensive line woes.
Arizona Cardinals
Image: Isaiah J. Downing / USA TODAY SPORTS / 2022
Key Free Agents: DE Zach Allen, CB Byron Murphy Jr., LT Kelvin Beachum, G Will Hernandez
Potential Cuts/Trade Candidates: DeAndre Hopkins, WR Robbie Anderson
Draft Picks: 7
Salary Cap Space: $13.5 million (according to spotrac.com)
Biggest Needs: OG, CB, DE, RB, WR
There’s a new regime in Arizona after the Cardinals plummeted in 2022. There’s a lot of uncertainly with first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon at the helm. Kyler Murray could also miss the beginning of the season as he rehabs from his knee injury. So, there isn’t really much known about what exactly their roster will look like come September. One thing that seems like a virtual certainty is that the Cardinals will move on from DeAndre Hopkins. The soon to be 31-year-old Hopkins is looking for a new home and should have multiple suitors. Hopkins has two more seasons left on his contract worth about $54 million. Hopkins is still a number one receiver in this league, but I don’t think the Cardinals will land a first-round pick for him. I think team’s will be weary about his age, durability, and the overall value of his contract.
After the Hopkins trade, I fully expect the Cardinals to cut Robbie Anderson. That’ll save the team close $12 million, and it feels like a no-brainer. Anderson only had seven receptions in his 10 games with the Cardinals last season.
The future of DE Zach Allen and CB Byron Murphy Jr. will also be difficult decisions for the team to make. Both could be difficult to retain, but seem like players that may be worth overextending for. Murphy Jr. really has developed into their number one cornerback, and I can’t imagine them letting him leave. I don’t rule out the Franchise Tag here at $18.1 million, but I wouldn’t bet on it. Zach Allen is in the same category as the Cardinals would like to keep him in the fold for their front-seven. The Cardinals ranked 27th in the NFL in sacks last season with 24.
Los Angeles Rams
Image: Kirby Lee / 2021
Key Free Agents: LB Bobby Wagner (released), DE A’Shawn Robinson, S Taylor Rapp, DT Greg Gaines, QB Baker Mayfield
Potential Cuts/Trade Candidates: CB Jalen Ramsey, C Brian Allen, RB Cam Akers
Draft Picks: 8
Salary Cap Space: $-10.7 million (according to spotrac.com)
Biggest Needs: OT, OG, CB, LB, DT
After winning the Super Bowl in the 2021 season, the Rams completely collapsed in 2022. Injuries mounted and the team could never string wins together. There was some doubt about Head Coach Sean McVay’s future, but he will return in 2023. The same can’t be said about three-time defensive player of the year winner, Aaron Donald. He is still uncertain about his playing future. The Rams have some money/cap issues to deal with this offseason, and it already started with the release of LB Bobby Wager. Releasing Wagner saved the Rams about $5 million. Wagner won’t be the only veteran to be cut this offseason in LA. It will likely continue with six-time pro-bowler, Jalen Ramsey. Trading Ramsey would help clear the Rams’ books and would allow them to collect some draft capital, that they desperately need (even if they deny it). The Rams only have two picks in the first three-rounds of the draft, following a 5-12 season. Ramsey has three years left on his contract and may be attractive to teams that are need of some secondary help. I think it’s pretty much a lock that Ramsey isn’t in a Rams uniform come September.
The offensive line needs to be at the forefront of the Rams offseason. Addressing every element of it, as that unit fell apart in 2022. With the lack of draft picks and the lack of money, the Rams will need to search in the bargain bin for a revamped offensive line unit. But, when it comes to being strapped for money/cap room, the Rams always find a way, so nothing can be ruled out.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford is expected to return in 2023, so I can’t imagine that Baker Mayfield returns to LA this offseason.