NFC West: Arizona Cardinals And Seattle Seahawks Improve

The Arizona Cardinals have been busy in free agency and the Seattle Seahawks made a huge trade

As far as the NFC West goes, each team has had its share of additions and losses in free agency.  The Cardinals probably made the biggest splash in free agency.  The Seahawks may have improved the most based on one trade.  The St. Louis Rams made a nice addition in free agency and the San Francisco 49ers are a mess.

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The Arizona Cardinals as we know made six pretty significant signings last week at the beginning of free agency.  They weren’t all the best at their given positions but that could be argued for guard Mike Iupati.  They filled needs.  They aren’t done yet.  They still have the need for another running back, a pass rusher, and a cornerback.  They could go the way of the NFL Draft for those areas too.

Added:

G Mike Iupati

OLB Sean Weatherspoon

DT Corey Peters

C A.Q. Shipley

DE Lamarr Woodley

DE Cory Redding

Redding and Woodley are older ends that will provide depth but aren’t top of the line starters.  Shipley is an upgrade at center.  Peters is also a depth guy.  Weatherspoon, if healthy, could have a huge impact in the middle defense.

The Cardinals lose defensive tackle Dan Williams, which was expected.  The Cardinals weren’t willing to give him that huge payday the Oakland Raiders game him.  They also lost defensive tackle Darnell Dockett to the Niners.  Cornerback Antonio Cromartie went to the New York Jets.  The writing was on that wall when he moved back to New York after the season ended.

After the Cardinals released him, receiver and punt returner Ted Ginn returned to the Carolina Panthers.  That was probably the best fit for him.  He just didn’t perform the Cardinals expected him too.  Fans were calling for him to be cut early in the 2014 season.  Finally guard Paul Fanaika signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.  He played well at times but Iupati is a definite upgrade on the offensive line.

Also noted the Cardinals re-signed long snapper Mike Leach.  He’s one of the best in the business.  He is entering his 16th season in the NFL.  So as far as the Cardinals go in the first week or so of free agency, the Cardinals get an B+.  If Weatherspoon pans out from his injury and plays a great 2015, this could be upgraded to an A.  Still work to do for the Cardinals though.