2022 NFL free agency, trade grades for NFC West: Rams hold serve in defense of Super Bowl title, 49ers QB iffy

The NFC West was the best division in football last season, backing it up with the Los Angeles Rams winning the Super Bowl and the San Francisco 49ers reaching the NFC Championship Game. Los Angeles went all-in to capture the title, as last offseason’s trade for Matthew Stafford catapulted the Rams toward acquiring Von Miller and signing Odell Beckham midway through the year — two huge catalysts to the championship. 

San Francisco blew a 10-point fourth quarter lead in the NFC Championship Game, coming minutes away from their second Super Bowl appearance in three years. The Arizona Cardinals faltered after a 7-0 start, but made the playoffs for the first time in six years. San Francisco still has Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback with Trey Lance waiting for his chance, while the Cardinals and Kyler Murray are in a stalemate regarding a contract extension (for now). 

The Seattle Seahawks moved on from the best era in franchise history by dealing Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, kickstarting a rebuild for the franchise that started earlier than expected. The NFC West lost talent to the AFC, yet the division’s three playoff teams remain amongst the best in the conference. 

Let’s give out the early report cards for each team in the NFC West after the first wave of free agency. The division is still one of the best in football even with the offseason losses. 

Los Angeles Rams: B

Notable additions: WR Allen Robinson
Notable losses: EDGE Von Miller, CB Darious Williams, WR Robert Woods, G Austin Corbett, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, P Johnny Hekker

The Rams were going to lose players in free agency based on the amount of salary cap space they had to clear up and the money tied to their top players. Darious Williams departing wasn’t a surprise, but Von Miller signing with the Buffalo Bills significantly hurt the pass rush. 

Los Angeles still made the best of losing key players by signing…