Analyzing the Arizona Cardinals and the NFC West’s free agency moves

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 26-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals in action against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cardinals defeated the Giants 26-7. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 09: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter in an NFC Wild Card game at Lumen Field on January 09, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 09: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter in an NFC Wild Card game at Lumen Field on January 09, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks

Most Prolific Move: Keeping Russell Wilson

Wilson was the subject of trade talks and sources even claimed the Chicago Bears aggressively pursued him. Wilson can still wind up in Las Vegas or New Orleans, per his list of teams between now and July. However, he also stated that he wants to remain a Seahawk.

Wilson continues to play at the top of his game. And if the Seahawks coaching staff lets him cook, he will once again post MVP-caliber numbers.

Key Additions

Gerald Everett/TE, Gabe Jackson/OG, Kerry Hyder/DT, Al Woods/DT, Ahkello Witherspoon/CB.

Key Needs

Edge, Offensive Tackle, Corner, Center

Where Do the Stand?

As long as Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson run the show in Seattle, they will always contend for the NFC West Crown. Look for the Cardinals to once again face two tough matchups, as was the case in 2020, featuring two down-to-the-wire thrillers.

Rank in the NFC West: 2nd

As implied above, the Seahawks will only go as far as Russell Wilson takes them. However, with a returning Chris Carson and offensive pieces, expect them to once again pose a challenge to all three NFC West contenders. Question marks remain on defense.

Schedule