Arizona Cardinals part of NFC West shifting
By Scott Allen
The Arizona Cardinals may find themselves closer to the pack in the NFC West in 2020
Thanks to moves made by the Arizona Cardinals and other NFC West teams so far in the offseason, the division may end up being a much closer race top to bottom in 2020. The Cardinals still have a ways to go but have brought themselves closer to the pack.
The Cardinals of course made the big trade at the start of the new league year in adding receiver DeAndre Hopkins. They have also filled holes on the defensive line and linebacker.
Although they re-signed a couple of offensive linemen who missed all or most of 2019 in Max Garcia and Marcus Gilbert, they are both on make good contracts. They still need to add depth on the offensive line.
That said, most sportsbooks in Las Vegas have moved the win total to 6.5 to 7 wins in 2020. The potential will certainly be there to get more.
The Los Angeles Rams on the other hand have been seeing their stars leave. Running back Todd Gurley was just released last week and is now with the Atlanta Falcons. They also lost defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. to the Falcons.
The Rams however retained defensive tackle Michael Brokers after a deal with the Baltimore Ravens failed to materialize. They also re-signed offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth.
The San Francisco 49ers saw receiver Emmanuel Sanders go to the New Orleans Saints. Defensive tackles DeForest Buckner went to the Indianapolis Colts.
Maybe the biggest deal for the 49ers was retaining defensive lineman Arik Armstead who signed a new five-year deal. They also added receivier Travis Benjamin from the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Seattle Seahawks saw offensive tackle George Fant go to the New York Jets. Defensive end Quinton Jefferson went to the Buffalo Bills.
However they also picked up tight end Greg Olson from the Carolina Panthers. He could be dangerous in a Seahawks uniform. Just one more tight end for the Cardinals to worry about twice a season.
Teams aren’t done yet but so far it looks like it’s going to be a very competitive 2020 season in the division. Some are even asking if it might be the best division in the NFL top to bottom now. We shall see what happens.