Divisional chaos might help LA’s repeat chances in 2025
Last season was a down year for the NFC West, which the Los Angeles Rams capitalized on by winning the division for the first time since 2021. With three of the division’s teams going through receiver drama, should the Rams be favored to repeat as champions in 2025?
For whatever reason, drama has defined the offseason for the Rams, 49ers and Seahawks. LA kicked it off when Cooper Kupp spilled the beans on Feb. 3, revealing the organization planned to trade him. Little did we know at the time that it was only the beginning.
On March 1, the 49ers agreed in principle to trade former All-Pro Deebo Samuel to the Commanders. The trade was a solid move for Washington as they try to strengthen the roster around second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. San Francisco’s other top wideout, Brandon Aiyuk, could also be on the trade block, though that isn’t certain.
“I don’t think it’s likely that the 49ers are gonna trade Brandon Aiyuk..
It’s something that they’re not saying a firm no to though” ~ @LombardiHimself #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/belbZp0V3k
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 6, 2025
If only the Whiners could trade everyone and be relegated to the Canadian Football League.
Anyway, the Seahawks further slammed the offseason crazy train into hyperdrive on Wednesday when the team released franchise icon Tyler Lockett. Not even an hour later, news dropped that DK Metcalf requested a trade. The reported asking price for Metcalf is certain to be hefty, not surprising for a player smack dab in his prime.
The Seahawks are seeking a first- and third-round pick for WR DK Metcalf, per sources.
Metcalf is also eyeing a new contract worth around $30M per year.
Multiple teams have inquired. pic.twitter.com/JX93XAvb52
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 6, 2025
So far, the Cardinals have remained drama-free, which is good for them. I was about to say something really mean until I remembered I promised not to say anything bad about the Redbirds because of what they did for the Rams in the playoffs. Yeah, we’ll see how long that promise lasts.
The upcoming season looked bleak for the Rams with the Kupp and Matthew Stafford rumors flying around. However, that feeling has largely disappeared, given everything that has happened with the 49ers and Seahawks within the last week.
Despite playing a first-place schedule in ‘25, the Rams must still be considered the NFC West favorites. Stafford’s return might become one of the best moves of the offseason because the veteran signal caller had gotten his team close to a return to the NFC Championship.
While Stafford is obviously an imperfect QB, his presence in the lineup is what will help LA navigate the divisional turmoil and boost their repeat chances.