There are countless variables that influence a team’s draft approach. For some front offices, the potential 2027 free-agent market could already outweigh short-term roster concerns.
As we begin to think about the 2027 NFL draft, it's interesting to look ahead to free agency as well. Without the context of the 2026 NFL and college football seasons, based solely on how we think rosters may change next March, what will teams do next April?
How the NFC West would draft based on their top free agents
So let's take a look at the biggest free agents for each team in the NFC West. Both veterans and players who are coming off of rookie deals, and determine their biggest needs in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Arizona Cardinals
Big-money free agents for the Cardinals include Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Zaven Collins, Baron Browning, and Hijalte-Froholdt.
Rookie deals to consider extending are Paris Johnson, BJ Ojulari, Garrett Wilson, and Michael Wilson.
The Cardinals are going to be able to sign anyone they want long-term. Paris Johnson is someone I consider a lock, and Michael Wilson is more than likely to get done as well.
Quarterback has to be at the top of the list for Arizona. And not just because their top two players at the position are free agents next year, but based on the quality of the position, and where the team is in its build.
But if they play their way out of a viable selection for a QB, edge rusher would be the second option.
Need: QB, ED
Los Angeles Rams
There's a lot going on for the all-in Rams in 2027.
Davante Adams, Kevin Dotson, Colby Parkinson, and Coleman Shelton are the veteran free agents. I’m sure they are going to be bringing back Dotson, and we know they have plenty of tight ends. So prepping for Adams’ potential departure makes sense.
But the 2023 class has Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Steve Avila, and Warren McClendon also up for new contracts. Can they pay both guards and the offensive tackle? The defensive and the edge rusher? Seems unlikely.
Turner and Avila seem the most likely to get extensions. And if McClendon has a good season, I'm sure they won't mind giving him a big contract during free agency.
It's probably easiest to assume Young is the odd man out, then wonder what Adams' long-term outlook is. But I'd hear any argument for any of the other candidates.
Need: EDGE, Wide Receiver
San Francisco 49ers
Nate Hobbs and Dre Greenlaw are big-money free agents. And starting center Jake Brendel will be 35 when the 2027 season starts and is a free agent as well.
Ji’Ayir Brown is also extension-eligible, and the only player from the 2023 class to really consider.
Other than that, things are pretty smooth for the 49ers. Adding to the defensive back room makes the most sense here.
Need: Safety
Seattle Seahawks
The big free agents are Leonard Williams and Uchenna Nwosu.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba got his extension, and Devon Witherspoon had his fifth-year option picked up for 27. But I expect he'll get his extension soon.
Derrick Hall and Anthony Bradford are also coming off the 2023 draft class.
Between Leonard, Nwosu, Hall, DeMarcus Lawrence getting older, and Boye Mafe leaving in free agency in 2026, this has to be a selection for the defensive line, preferably on the edge.
Need: Defensive line
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