NFL Power Rankings: NFC West Teams After Free Agency

A look at where the NFC West teams stand in the latest PFF power rankings following free agency moves.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 11:19am by Ben Kaplan

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The NFL has largely wrapped up its work in free agency, and teams are now preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft. PFF's Mason Cameron has released new post-free agency power rankings, providing insight into where the NFC West teams stand. The Los Angeles Rams, fresh off a dominant season, rank #1 overall after bolstering their secondary. The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks come in at #2, though they've lost some key contributors. The San Francisco 49ers check in at #10 after signing veteran receiver Mike Evans. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals rank a lowly #31, with questions surrounding their quarterback situation and defensive struggles.

Why it matters

The NFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, and these power rankings give a sense of how the teams stack up heading into the new season. The Rams' continued dominance, the Seahawks' ability to reload, the 49ers' offensive firepower, and the Cardinals' uncertain future will all be storylines to follow as the 2026 campaign approaches.

The details

The Los Angeles Rams, led by MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford and Offensive Player of the Year Puka Nacua, were the NFL's top-graded team on both offense and defense in 2025. They've further bolstered their secondary by trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson. The Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions, have lost some key pieces but still boast elite talent on both sides of the ball. The San Francisco 49ers have signed veteran receiver Mike Evans to help offset the departures of Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne. Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals' offseason has been marred by the exit of Kyler Murray, and their roster lacks depth and talent according to the rankings.

  • The NFL free agency period largely wrapped up in March 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is coming up in the near future.

The players

Matthew Stafford

The Los Angeles Rams' starting quarterback and the 2025 NFL and PFF MVP.

Puka Nacua

The Los Angeles Rams' Offensive Player of the Year in 2025.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback acquired by the Los Angeles Rams in a trade to bolster their secondary.

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback signed by the Los Angeles Rams in free agency, previously a key part of the Kansas City Chiefs' secondary.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

An elite offensive talent for the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Devon Witherspoon

The Seattle Seahawks' star cornerback, the highest-graded player at his position by PFF.

Rashid Shaheed

The Seattle Seahawks' elite return specialist who was re-signed in free agency.

Mike Evans

The veteran receiver signed by the San Francisco 49ers to help offset the departures of Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne.

Kyler Murray

The former starting quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals, who has since departed the team.

Jaoby Brissett

One of the quarterbacks the Arizona Cardinals are expected to start in 2026 after the exit of Kyler Murray.

Gardner Minshew

The other quarterback the Arizona Cardinals are expected to start in 2026 after the exit of Kyler Murray.

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What they’re saying

“In the PFF era (since 2006), no team had ever finished the year ranked atop the NFL in both PFF team offensive (93.0) and defensive (86.9) grading — until the Rams did this past season.”

— Mason Cameron, PFF Analyst

“The question is whether the Seahawks will be able to have the same magic in 2026 after losing Walker, their offensive coordinator and more.”

— Mason Cameron, PFF Analyst

“It's hard not to look at the Cardinals and wonder what they are doing. Their moves in free agency have not improved their roster except maybe at running back. Going with Jaoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew at quarterback, who have a combined 37-75 record as starters, reeks of tanking.”

— Jess Root, Cards Wire Writer

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft is the next major event on the league's calendar, where teams will look to further bolster their rosters and address key needs.

The takeaway

The NFC West remains one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, with the Rams and Seahawks leading the way, the 49ers still a force, and the Cardinals facing an uncertain future. Free agency has set the stage for an intriguing 2026 season, as teams look to position themselves for a playoff push.