Key additions and subtractions for NFC teams in free agency
By Barry Wilner
ARIZONA WHERE TEAM IMPROVED IN FREE AGENCY: Cardinals pulled off stunner when they added WR DeAndre Hopkins in trade with Texans that sent RB David Johnson to Houston. Hopkins gives Arizona true No. 1 receiver to complement Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk. Defense added three potential starters after signing LBs De’Vondre Campbell and Devon Kennard and DL Jordan Phillips.
WHERE TEAM NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Certainly better on defense but Arizona wouldn’t mind more depth after giving up most yards in NFL. Also might like to add depth in middle of offensive line. ATLANTA WHERE TEAM IMPROVED IN FREE AGENCY: Falcons made bold moves to address glaring weaknesses, signing OLB Dante Fowler and star RB Todd Gurley. Atlanta ranked near bottom of league in sacks and rushing last season. Fowler and Gurley replace Vic Beasley Jr. and Devonta Freeman, respectively.
WHERE TEAM NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Cornerback after cutting Desmond Trufant. Linebacker is another thin spot after De’Vondre Campbell signed with Arizona. Depth must be replaced on offensive line after losses of guard Wes Schweitzer and tackle Ty Sambrailo. CAROLINA WHERE TEAM IMPROVED IN FREE AGENCY: Panthers have filled some holes, but not many upgrades as they tear down roster and rebuild. QB Teddy Bridgewater will replace injuryriddled Cam Newton, which could be upgrade.
WHERE TEAM NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Carolina lost nearly entire defensive line (Mario Addison, Gerald McCoy, Vernon Butler, Dontari Poe) except Kawann Short. Added DE Stephen Weatherly, but more must be done up front as they transition back to 4-3 alignment.
CHICAGO WHERE TEAM IMPROVED IN FREE AGENCY: Gave QB Mitchell Trubisky competition coming off disappointing season by acquiring Nick Foles from Jacksonville. Also added two former All-Pros in pass rusher Robert Quinn and TE Jimmy Graham.
WHERE TEAM NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Bears could use more playmakers on offense to go with receiver Allen Robinson. Extension for Robinson, who has one season left on three-year deal, might be coming. Bears also could use help on offensive line that was banged up last season, and at cornerback after waiving Prince Amukamara.