The NFC West has earned a reputation for being one of the most competitive divisions in football. Two coaching titans are bound to have that effect, but it's the emergence of the Seattle Seahawks that makes this division among the league's best.
As the Arizona Cardinals flip-flop on their short-term future under center, the rest of the NFC West is knee-deep in an arms race, hoping to capitalize on a conference without a demigod under center. There is work to be done for each of these teams, though, and as April approaches, the 2026 NFL Draft could prove pivotal.
In the days after the NFL trade deadline, it's worth monitoring what these rosters will need in a few months' time.
Seattle Seahawks
Urgent needs: Guard, Center, Cornerback
Worth considering: Edge rusher, running back
Seattle can do no wrong, but this roster still has some flaws, and with Sam Darnold's tendency to unravel under pressure, there's a chance the interior becomes the Seahawks' top priority this spring.
Both right guard and center are issues, and a host of cornerbacks hitting free agency headlines future holes on defense. Kenneth Walker III is also a free agent, further clouding an already frustrating (but talented) backfield. Additional edge help would mitigate the eventual loss of DeMarcus Lawrence and Boye Mafe.
Los Angeles Rams
Urgent needs: Offensive Tackle, Safety, Cornerback
Worth considering: Linebacker, Quarterback
When Matthew Stafford is healthy, the Rams look like one of the best teams in football. How long he stays healthy is the franchise's biggest question, making both quarterback and offensive tackle sticking points for the upcoming offseason.
Finding a replacement could come at any time in the upcoming draft, perhaps more so with an extra first-round pick in Los Angeles' arsenal.
Elsewhere, the Rams seem to be exceeding expectations on the back end, despite a lack of elite talent in the secondary. Adding quality prospects there -- and at off-ball linebacker -- would bode well for when San Francisco is healthy enough to challenge them in 2026.
San Francisco 49ers
Urgent needs: Guard, Center, Defensive Tackle
Worth considering: Cornerback, Offensive Tackle
Looking at the 49ers' depth chart reveals a surprising lack of quality players. Fear not, they are all simply on another page, recovering from injuries of varying severity. If the 49ers are going to play late-January football, it will come as a result of a refurbished offensive line.
Finding a replacement for star left tackle Trent Williams is a looming necessity, too.
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Defensively, San Francisco still has weaknesses on the boundary. When healthy, the pass rush can compensate. Adding a Day 2 prospect at corner would go a long way in making sure it doesn't have to next season.
Arizona Cardinals
Urgent needs: Guard, Linebacker
Worth considering: Quarterback, Running Back, Offensive Tackle
The story of Arizona's offseason will be the Kyler Murray decision. It's clear he's not the franchise quarterback the Cardinals hoped they drafted 1.01 in 2019. But whether he needs a change of scenery -- and if Arizona is willing to find one -- could dictate its plans in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In the event Murray is starting there in 2026, improving the run game is a must. That starts up front, especially at guard. But as James Conner enters his early 30s, injecting the backfield with new blood should be considered, especially in a complementary role with an explosive skill set.
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