No team has repeated as NFC West champion since 2016, and 2025 does not appear any clearer. From veteran reinforcements to foundational rebuilds, each team in the division took a distinct approach this offseason. Some doubled down on established stars to stay in contention, while others opted to reshape their identity with younger or undervalued talent. The result is a wide-open race filled with uncertainty, where every roster reflects a different stage in the team-building cycle. The Rams may have the most complete team on paper, but no one is safe. With new faces in critical roles and familiar names poised for breakout seasons, the NFC West looks like one of the most competitive divisions in the league heading into 2025.
Arizona Cardinals
Key Additions:
Josh Sweat (EDGE, 4 years, 76.4 million dollars)
Sweat is coming off a strong 2024 season in Philadelphia with 8.0 sacks, 19 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for loss. He brings explosive burst off the edge and long-levered strength to anchor against the run. His addition gives Arizona a true bookend presence and a player capable of consistently winning one-on-one matchups. He will be a focal point in Nick Rallis’s defensive scheme.
Akeem Davis-Gaither (LB, 2 years, 11 million dollars)
Davis-Gaither recorded 67 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 1 interception for Cincinnati last season. His sideline-to-sideline speed and strong coverage skills make him a valuable asset in sub-packages. He reinforces the linebacker room with more range and flexibility.
Dalvin Tomlinson (DL, 2 years, 29 million dollars)
Tomlinson started 16 games for Cleveland in 2024, finishing with 26 tackles, 18 quarterback hits, 6 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks. A stout interior presence, he helps anchor the run defense and brings a consistent push from the inside.
Calais Campbell (DE, 1 year, 5.5 million dollars)
In 2024 with Miami, Campbell tallied 35 solo tackles, 17 assists, 5.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He returns to Arizona as a veteran leader who can play multiple spots along the line and mentor a young defensive front.
Summary
Arizona focused heavily on revamping its defensive front. Sweat gives them a premier edge presence, while Tomlinson and Campbell add interior strength and leadership. Davis-Gaither boosts coverage and range at linebacker. However, the team failed to address its struggling offensive line. Betting on internal development is risky given the pass rush talent in the division. If protection issues linger, a much-improved defense might still not be enough.
Grade: B
Los Angeles Rams
Key Additions:
Davante Adams (WR, 2 years, 46 million dollars)
Adams caught 67 passes for 854 yards and 7 touchdowns in just 11 games with the Jets last season. He brings elite route-running, reliable hands, and a veteran presence to the Rams’ offense. His pairing with Matthew Stafford gives the team a dangerous go-to option, especially in critical moments.
David Quessenberry (OT, 1 year, 1.12 million dollars)
Quessenberry appeared in 13 games with the Vikings in 2024, starting 2 and playing more than 250 snaps. He offers depth and positional versatility as a swing tackle who can step in as needed.
Poona Ford (DL, 3 years, 29.6 million dollars)
Ford started all 17 games for the Chargers last year, registering 39 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and 1 interception. A steady run defender, he is expected to complement explosive young linemen Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.
Coleman Shelton (C, 2 years, 12 million dollars)
After starting all 17 games for the Bears in 2024, Shelton returns to Los Angeles to stabilize the interior line. His experience and knowledge of the system should enhance both pass protection and run blocking.
Summary
The Rams made a headline-grabbing move by acquiring Davante Adams, giving Stafford a true number one target and pairing him with rising star Puka Nacua. Ford and Shelton strengthen both lines, while Quessenberry adds depth. The roster looks well-balanced, but questions remain at linebacker and cornerback. If the veterans stay healthy and the young defensive pieces progress, this team is positioned for a deep run.
Grade: B+
San Francisco 49ers
Key Additions:
Mac Jones (QB, 2 years, 7 million dollars)
Jones started 10 games for Jacksonville in 2024, throwing for 1,672 yards with 8 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. His quick decision-making fits well in Kyle Shanahan’s rhythm-based scheme. He offers a more experienced backup option behind Brock Purdy.
Demarcus Robinson (WR, 2 years, 9.5 million dollars)
Robinson caught 31 passes for 505 yards and 7 touchdowns last season with the Rams. He provides depth, red zone value, and the versatility to play multiple receiver spots.
Luke Farrell (TE, 3 years, 20.25 million dollars)
Farrell had 24 receptions for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2024 with Jacksonville. A strong blocker and underutilized receiver, he allows the 49ers to expand two-tight end looks and brings balance to the offense.
Tre Brown (CB, 1 year, 1.7 million dollars)
Brown appeared in 13 games with Seattle last year, posting 21 solo tackles and 1 pass defensed. In 2023, he recorded 2 interceptions and allowed a passer rating of 61.3 when targeted. He brings zone coverage ability and physicality to the secondary.
Summary
The 49ers had a quiet but smart offseason. Jones provides stability behind Purdy. Robinson and Farrell add depth and versatility to the passing game. Brown gives them another option at corner. These are low-risk, system-friendly additions. The roster remains intact, but the offensive line and secondary still carry some question marks. If those units hold up, San Francisco will remain in contention.
Grade: C+
Seattle Seahawks
Key Additions:
Sam Darnold (QB, 3 years, 100.5 million dollars)
Darnold posted a career-best season with Minnesota in 2024, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 102.5 passer rating. He showed improved decision-making and poise, particularly in play-action. The Seahawks are building around him under new coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Cooper Kupp (WR, 3 years, 45 million dollars)
Kupp recorded 67 receptions for 710 yards and 6 touchdowns last season with the Rams. He remains one of the NFL’s premier route-runners and will serve as a mentor to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If healthy, he brings stability and savvy to a revamped receiving corps.
Demarcus Lawrence (EDGE, 3 years, 32.49 million dollars)
Lawrence brings 61.5 career sacks and 450 tackles after 11 seasons with Dallas. Injuries limited his 2024, but his edge-setting ability and leadership will help a defensive line in transition. He remains a disruptive presence on early downs.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR, 1 year, 5.5 million dollars)
Valdes-Scantling split 2024 between Buffalo and New Orleans. With the Saints, he caught 17 passes for 385 yards and 4 touchdowns in 8 games, averaging 22.6 yards per catch. His speed and size add a much-needed vertical threat to the offense.
Summary
Seattle overhauled its offensive identity with Darnold at quarterback and veteran additions at wide receiver. Kupp and Valdes-Scantling bring leadership and big-play ability, while Lawrence boosts a run defense in need of toughness. The team has talent, but will need to gel quickly under a new system. If Darnold continues his 2024 form, Seattle could surprise. If not, it may take another year to truly contend.
Grade: B
Overall Division Outlook
The NFC West heads into 2025 without a clear favorite, and that should make for one of the league’s most intriguing races. The Rams appear most balanced after adding Adams and reinforcing the trenches, but their depth is still a concern. The 49ers return a stacked core and made smart depth additions, but offensive line and secondary questions linger. Arizona bolstered its front seven but ignored key offensive needs, while Seattle committed to Sam Darnold and revamped its playmakers around him. With no repeat division champion since 2016 and each team charting its own course, this race could come down to health, cohesion, and which team settles into its identity the fastest.
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