NFC Power Rankings: Rams Lead, Cardinals Struggle After Free Agency
The NFL’s free agency period has largely concluded, with teams now turning their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft. Millions of dollars have been committed to player contracts, and a clearer picture of each team’s potential is beginning to emerge. Recent post-free agency power rankings from Pro Football Focus (PFF), led by analyst Mason Cameron, offer a snapshot of where teams stand heading into the latest season, particularly within the competitive NFC. The rankings reveal a significant disparity in fortunes, with the Los Angeles Rams firmly at the top and the Arizona Cardinals near the bottom.
Los Angeles Rams: No. 1 Overall
The Rams currently hold the top spot in PFF’s rankings, a testament to their dominant performance in 2025. They were the first team in the PFF era (since 2006) to lead the NFL in both offensive (93.0) and defensive (86.9) grading. Led by NFL and PFF MVP Matthew Stafford and PFF Offensive Player of the Year Puka Nacua, the Rams proved to be a formidable force.
Despite their success, the Rams recognized a need to address a weakness in coverage, particularly after a late-season collapse. The front office responded decisively, acquiring cornerback Trent McDuffie via trade and signing Jaylen Watson, both key contributors to the Kansas City Chiefs’ highly-ranked secondary. These additions appear to have solidified an already strong roster, leaving the Rams with few apparent weaknesses.
Seattle Seahawks: No. 2 Overall
The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks come in at No. 2, but face some challenges as they navigate the offseason. The Seahawks have experienced key departures, including Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, three starters on defense, and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Despite these losses, the team maintains a strong foundation across all three phases of the game, the blueprint for their championship run.
Seattle’s roster still boasts elite talent, highlighted by Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba and PFF’s highest-graded cornerback, Devon Witherspoon. The re-signing of elite returner Rashid Shaheed further strengthens their special teams. The question remains whether the Seahawks can replicate their championship form after losing key personnel, but their overall talent level suggests they will remain a contender.
San Francisco 49ers: No. 10 Overall
The San Francisco 49ers check in at No. 10, having proactively addressed their receiver situation in free agency. With Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne testing free agency and Brandon Aiyuk potentially departing, the 49ers sought a veteran upgrade. They found it in Mike Evans, signing the experienced receiver despite some injury concerns in his recent past. Evans has posted a receiving grade of 70.0 or higher for 12 consecutive seasons, demonstrating his continued ability to contribute at a high level. This move is expected to maintain the productivity of the 49ers’ offense, which ranked fourth in the league (83.1) in 2025.
Bourne has since signed with the Arizona Cardinals, but Evans represents a clear upgrade. His ability to stay healthy will be crucial for the 49ers’ success. Despite facing numerous injuries throughout the 2025 season, the 49ers remained a competitive team, suggesting their core is resilient.
Arizona Cardinals: No. 31 Overall
The Arizona Cardinals identify themselves near the bottom of the rankings, at No. 31. The departure of Kyler Murray is the defining storyline of their offseason. While the Cardinals may have shown some offensive improvement without Murray, their roster lacks depth and overall talent, as evidenced by their offensive (70.4, 22nd) and defensive (50.7, 30th) grading profiles. The struggles on defense are particularly concerning, and without significant investment in that unit, the Cardinals’ outlook for 2026 appears bleak.
The Cardinals’ free agency moves have done little to improve their roster, with the exception of potentially at running back. The decision to move forward with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew at quarterback, who have a combined 37-75 record as starters, has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about a potential tanking strategy. It’s a gamble that could have significant implications for the team’s future.
The NFC West appears to be a division of haves and have-nots following free agency. The Rams and Seahawks are positioned as strong contenders, while the 49ers remain competitive. The Cardinals, still, face a steep uphill battle as they attempt to rebuild and navigate a challenging season. The upcoming NFL Draft will be critical for Arizona as they seem to address their numerous roster deficiencies and chart a course toward future success.
What’s Next: The NFL Draft is scheduled to begin on April 29th. Teams will look to fill remaining roster holes and add young talent to their squads. The Cardinals, in particular, will be under intense scrutiny as they attempt to address their quarterback situation and bolster their defense.
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