The first week of the NFL's free agency period is winding down and already a lot of big moves have been made.
On Wednesday, the Rams made several transactions to kick off the new year, but there were also plenty of other interesting trades and acquisitions happening around the NFC West.
With that in mind, here's a look at the biggest storylines from around the division:
**
Seattle Seahawks:**
During the first week of free agency, the top headlines from Seattle were more focused on players who will not be suiting up in navy and green in 2018, rather than the players who are joining the franchise.
The Seahawks began the league year with two of the most surprising moves in the NFC —
trading three time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Michael Bennett to the Eagles, while releasing four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman.
But these aren't the only two familiar faces who won't be with the club next year, as wide receiver Paul Richardson (Redskins), tight end Jimmy Graham (Packers), cornerback DeShawn Snead (Lions), and cornerback Jeremy Lane are all moving on.
Other notable moves coming from Seahawks' camp ncluded the re-signing of safety Bradley McDougald, along with the addition of tight end Ed Dickson, linebacker Barkevious Mingo, wide receiver Jaron Brown and former Rams safety Maurice Alexander.
**San Francisco 49ers:
Check out a position-by-position look at the top players available when free agency begins next week.
Credit: AP Photos
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Case Keenum, Quarterback
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Kirk Cousins, Quarterback
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Drew Brees, Quarterback
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Carlos Hyde, Running Back
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Isaiah Crowell, Running Back
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Dion Lewis, Running Back
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Frank Gore, Running Back
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Doug Martin, Running Back
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Jerick McKinnon, Running Back
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Rex Burkhead, Running Back
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Anthony Sherman, Fullback
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Allen Robinson, Wide Receiver
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John Brown, Wide Receiver
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Jaron Brown, Wide Receiver
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Danny Amendola, Wide Receiver
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Marqise Lee, Wide Receiver
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Taylor Gabriel, Wide Receiver
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Jordan Matthews, Wide Receiver
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Paul Richardson, Wide Receiver
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Jimmy Graham, Tight End
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Trey Burton, Tight End
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Tyler Eifert, Tight End
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Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tight End
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Justin Pugh, Guard
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Jack Mewhort, Guard
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Nate Solder, Offenisve Tackle
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Ryan Jensen, Center
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Weston Richburg, Center
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Andrew Norwell, Guard
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Sheldon Richardson, Defensive End
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Muhammad Wilkerson, Defensive End
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Star Lotulelei, Defensive Tackle
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Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle
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Julius Peppers, Defensive End
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NaVorro Bowman, Linebacker
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Nigel Bradham, Linebacker
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Avery Williamson, Linebacker
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Zach Brown, Linebacker
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Tahir Whitehead, Linebacker
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Bashaud Breeland, Cornerback
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Malcolm Butler, Cornerback
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Rashaan Melvin, Cornerback
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Morgan Burnett, Safety
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Kenny Vaccaro, Safety
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Eric Reid, Safety
**
When Sherman was released by the Seahawks earlier this month, there was plenty of speculation as to where he would end up.
It turns out we didn't need to look very far, as the 49ers jumped at the opportunity to sign the star cornerback. Just one day after being released, Sherman signed a three-year deal with San Francisco where he will face off against his former team twice a year.
General manager John Lynch also made moves to bolster the team's ground game, agreeing to a four-year deal with running back Jerick McKinnon and a five-year deal with center Weston Richburg. By bringing Richburg onto its roster, San Francisco was free to trade its former starting center Daniel Kilgore to the Dolphins.
Plus, the club extended quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and wide receiver Marqise Goodwin in February — providing continuity for the 49ers' offense for years to come.
Arizona Cardinals:
The Cardinals made waves last season by trading for seven time Pro Bowler and former NFL MVP, Adrian Peterson. But after a relatively unproductive and injury-plagued season, the Cardinals were ready to move on from the 10-year veteran and released him.
Arizona also let go of safety Tyrann Mathieu after both sides could not find common ground on a new contract. After playing for the franchise for four seasons, the Cardinals were reportedly asking Matthieu to take a pay cut.
However, the club was willing to spend money on its new quarterback Sam Bradford, who is set to replace Carson Palmer behind center. Bradford signed a one-year deal worth up to $20 million with Arizona, to become the first starting quarterback under new head coach Steve Wilks. Arizona also invested in those that will be lining up in front of Bradford next season, signing offensive tackle Andre Smith and guard Justin Pugh to two and five year deals, respectively.