Where Seahawks rank in NFC West post-free agency and pre-draft
By Lee Vowell
![Jan 3, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) makes a catch against Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks free safety Quandre Diggs (37) during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Jan 3, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) makes a catch against Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks free safety Quandre Diggs (37) during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2F12thmanrising-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F15392687-850x560-787473bd3b63508f89fa968e651a8f2eec7191339e3fd1f40cdee46d66d3bf94.jpg)
Third place: Arizona Cardinals
Additions: CB Jeff Gladney, LB Nick Vigil, OG Will Hernandez, TE Stephon Anderson
Departures: Edge rusher Chandler Jones (signed with Raiders), RB Chase Edmonds (signed with Dolphins), receiver Christian Kirk (signed with Jaguars), LB Jordan Hicks (signed by Vikings), defensive lineman Jordan Phillips (signed by Bills) and offensive lineman Max Garcia (signed with Giants)
Summary
Like nearly every other NFC West team, the Cardinals lost more in free agency than they gained. In fact, the Cardinals likely lost the greatest amount of talent in free agency (not counting trades like the Seahawks trading Russell Wilson) with the losses of Jones, Kirk, Hicks and Edmonds. Arizona appears clearly not to be as good as the 49ers or the Rams at this point.
Arizona does have some good young pieces on defense, like Budda Baker and Isaiah Simmons, but Arizona has to find a way to replace the production of Jones and Hicks who were among the top four on the Cardinals in sacks last year. Jones also led in quarterback hits and tackles for loss.
👀👀 at this graphic from @doug_clawson: pic.twitter.com/MNCBFl6wRQ
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) December 28, 2021
The other question is how the team reacts to a bit of drama with Kyler Murray this offseason when he appeared to be a bit of a prima donna by removing the team from his social media accounts. Plus, coach Kliff Kingsbury hasn’t led any of his teams, college or pro, to winning records in second halves of seasons since ever (seriously).