SIZING UP NFC WEST FREE-AGENT HAUL
A team-by-team look at who's in and who's out
Look, if the NFL is strategically optimistic that a full season will start punctually in five months, then let’s scout what the 49ers will encounter on their so-called Super Bowl Revenge Tour.
Here is a recap of moves the 49ers and their opponents have made as they transition from free agency to draft preparations, with the schedule due out by May 9:
49ers
2019 » 13-3, NFC Champions WHO’S IN » DT Arik Armstead, FS Jimmie Ward, DE Ronald Blair, C Ben Garland, OT Shon Coleman, G Tom Compton, WR Travis Benjamin, DE Kerry Hyder, LB Joe Walker.
WHO’S OUT » DT DeForest Buckner,
WR Emmanuel Sanders, G Mike Person DT Sheldon Day, TE Levine Toilolo, LB Elijah Lee, DE Anthony Zetter.
IMPACT » Trading Buckner to Indy for the 13th-overall draft pick must deliver immediate rewards. The Super Bowl-caliber lineup indeed needs a replacement defensive tackle, not to mention boosts at wide receiver, cornerback and the offensive line. Free agency brought in four veterans on oneyear deals, so taking care of their own and plotting draft strategy were bigger priorities.
NFC West opponents Seattle
2019 » 11-5, lost in divisional playoffs
WHO’S IN » TE Greg Olsen, OT Ce
dric Ogbuehi, DL Jarran Reed, WR Phillip Dorsett, CB Quinton Dunbar, OT Brandon Shell, DE Bruce Irvin, TE Jacob Hollister, G B.J. Finney, TE Luke Wilson, G Chance Warmack, DE Benson Mayowa WHO’S OUT » DE Quinton Jefferson, OL Germain Ifedi, OL George Fant, S Tedric Thompson, TE Ed DIckson
IMPACT » They still haven’t loaded up to reclaim the NFC West after finishing second 2017-19. Olsen’s arrival from Carolina gives Russell Wilson a veteran option. Keeping Reed helps the defensive front, and the offensive line remains a juggling act. Jadeveon Clowney, still shopping in free agency.
LA Rams
2019 » 9-7; no playoffs
WHO’S IN » LT Andrew Whitworth, DL Michael Brockers, DL A’Shawn Robinson, LB Leonard Floyd.
WHO’S OUT » RB Todd Gurley, LB Clay Matthews, FS Eric Weddle, K Greg Zeurlein, CB Nickell RobeyColeman
IMPACT » New stadium, new logo, but not much new talent onto the Rams, who took a financial hit cutting Gurley. So, no free agency boost to help Jared Goff rebound from last season (22 TDs, 16 interceptions, 22 sacks). Coach Sean McVay hired new coordinators Kevin O’Connell (offense), Brandon Staley (defense) and John Bonamego (special teams).
Arizona
2019 » 5-10-1, no playoffs
WHO’S IN » WR DeAndre Hopkins, DT Jordan Phillips, OLB Devon Kennard, OLB De’Vondre Campbell, QB Brett Hundley, RT Marcus Gilbert, RB D.J. Foster, G Max Garcia, OT Justin Murray
WHO’S OUT » RB David Johnson, DE Rodney Gunter, DT Zach Kerr, WR Damiere Byrd, WR Pharoh Cooper, LB Joe Walker
IMPACT » Hopkins’ addition is the NFL’s offseason steal, and that should greatly help Kyler Murray in Year 2. Phillips, Kennard and Campbell were expensive hires for the league’s worst defense in yards allowed last year.