The last in our series of division free agency breakdowns concludes with a fitting finale — the NFC West, a.k.a. the NFC Last. (Click here for our master list of free agents.)
Players in the NFC West are probably fed up of being told they play in the worst division in football, but all four teams have the opportunity to rebuild in the offseason.
Retaining the right players could prove crucial in deciding a division that came down to Week 17 last year and where first place was clear of last by only two games.
Arizona Cardinals
Restricted Free Agents (3 years): Michael Adams (CB), Early Doucet (WR), Tim Hightower (RB), Kenny Iwebema (DE), Brandon Keith (OT), Reagan Maui’a (FB)
Restricted Free Agents (5 years): D’Anthony Batiste (OT), Alan Branch (DT), Steve Breaston (WR), Nehemiah Broughton (FB), Ben Claxton (CB), Deuce Lutui (G), Trumaine McBride (CB), Ben Patrick (TE), Lyle Sendlein (C), Stephen Spach (TE)
Unrestricted Free Agents: Alan Faneca (G), Bryan Robinson (DT), Matt Ware (CB), Gabe Watson (DT), Jason Wright (RB), Hamzah Abdullah (S), Ben Graham (P)
Please Don’t Leave: Lyle Sendlein is a young and improving center. On what is one of the worst lines in football, upgrading each of the positions will not be possible. He’s shown some ability in the run game previously and was good in pass protection in 2010. There are probably very few centers who deserve to be franchised, however, so Arizona should look to a long-term deal.
Au Revoir: NT Bryan Robinson seems sure to be on the way out. His successor is already in the fold in Dan Williams, and Robinson's performances have steadily declined over the years. Alan Faneca didn't look to have much left in the tank, either, and could be looking for a team well into the offseason.
_________________
St. Louis Rams
Restricted Free Agents (3 years): Quincy Butler (CB), Chris Chamberlain (LB), Kenneth Darby (RB), Renardo Foster (OT), John Greco (G), Justin King (CB), David Vobora (LB)
Restricted Free Agents (5 years): Kevin Dockery (CB), Daniel Fells (TE), Gary Gibson (DT), Darcy Johnson (TE), Laurent Robinson (WR), Clifton Ryan (DT), Derek Schouman (TE), Mark Setterstrom (G)
Unrestricted Free Agents: Adam Goldberg (G), Chris Hovan (DT), Michael Lewis (S), Mark Clayton (WR)
Please Don’t Leave: We’ve been big fans of LB David Vobora for a long time. He’s produced when given a chance but needs more playing time. In this instance that could work in the Rams’ favor, making him cheaper to resign. He has the added bonus of being a good special teamer. Considering he’s somewhat of an unknown, there’s no requirement for the franchise tag.
Au Revoir: TE Daniel Fells might offer something in the passing game, but he really struggles in the blocking department. He offers virtually nothing in pass protection and even less run blocking. Michael Hoomanawanui has flashed more ability and it would be wise to at least give him a shot to earn the job outright.
___________________
San Francisco 49ers
Restricted Free Agents (3 years): None
Restricted Free Agents (5 years): Dashon Goldson (S), Manny Lawson (OLB), Ray McDonald (DE), Troy Smith (QB)
Unrestricted Free Agents: Demetric Evans (DE), Aubrayo Franklin (DT), Will James (CB), Jeff Reed (K), Barry Sims (OT), Takeo Spikes (LB), Brian Westbrook (RB), Tonny Wragge (G), David Bass (C), Travis Laboy (DE), Alex Smith (QB)
Please Don’t Leave: Manny Lawson is a very effective pass rushing OLB who doesn’t put up gaudy sack numbers. For that reason, he’s an ideal candidate for re-signing as he should be value for money. Lawson is the type of player good defenses are built upon, not elite but an important piece nonetheless.
Au Revoir: Dashon Goldson simply hasn’t shown enough to be kept around. He was better in 2010 than he was in 2009 but still wasn’t serviceable. His pass coverage simply isn’t good enough for a free safety, and predominant responsibility for the big plays given up by San Fran over the past few years lies with him.
____________________
Seattle Seahawks
Restricted Free Agents (3 years): Tyler Polumbus (OT)
Restricted Free Agents (5 years): Amon Gordon (DT), Will Herring (LB), Kelly Jennings (CB), Brandon Mebane (DT), Jay Richardson (DT), Michael Robinson (FB), Junior Siavii (DT), Isaiah Stanback (WR), Leon Washington (RB)
Unrestricted Free Agents: Jordan Babineaux (S), Raheem Brock (DE), Matt Hasselbeck (QB), Sean Locklear (OT), JP Losman (QB), Olindo Mare (K), Lawyer Milloy (S), Chester Pitts (G), Brandon Stokley (WR), Leroy Hill (LB), Ruvell Martin (WR), Matt McCoy (LB), Ray Willis (OT), Chris Spencer (C)
Please Don’t Leave: Few teams will have as many decisions to make as Seattle. Matt Hasselbeck proved against the Saints in the NFC Wild Card game that he still has something left in the tank. He can continue to work as the starter if they choose to develop a young guy. And while Raheem Brock showed little in his run with Indianapolis, he was a revelation in Seattle last year and might get a chance to cash in.
Au Revoir: Chris Spencer really struggled in 2010. After showing potential in pass pro in 2009 he took a step back last season and now the Seahawks have to decide if that was a blip or a sign of his true abilities. Max Unger also offers a nice alternative if he can come back from injury and iron out some of the inconsistencies of his rookie year.
© 2025 PFF - all rights reserved.