How the Rest of the Divison's Free Agency Plans Affect 49ers

Jeff Fisher in St. Louis? Matt Flynn in Seattle? The NFC West is no longer the divisional bottom dweller. This has turned into the Wild Wild West. 

The 49ers will face stiff competition for the coveted NFC West crown in the 2012-2013 NFL season. The remaining three teams—Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams—will all boast improved defenses in the upcoming season. 

In what has historically been considered a high-flying offensive division, the NFC West has turned a corner––starting with the vaunted Niners defense. This is exactly why the St. Louis Rams decided to hire Jeff Fisher and bounty ring-leader Gregg Williams. 

As the Niners strengthened their roster, so did everyone else in the division. Here are five key additions from the three other divisional opponents that should affect the 49ers in the upcoming NFL season. 

Cortland Finnegan (CB), St. Louis Rams

The addition of Finnegan should aid one of the better passing defenses in the league. In the 2011-2012 NFL season, the St. Louis Rams finished seventh against the pass. 

That statistic is even more impressive considering the amount of Rams defensive backs that went on IR, including starters. The price tag was pretty hefty but Finnegan is worth the demand. 

Whomever the 49ers line up opposite Finnegan should have a tough day. It will be physical, that I can guarantee. 

Loss of Brandon Lloyd

This may be a minor issue, especially considering this article is about key additions, not losses, but I couldn't help myself. 

With the loss of their only capable receiver, the Rams will be forced to selected Justin Blackmon in the upcoming draft. While a receiver could help Bradford's development, the Rams have far more needs than they have picks. 

The additional second-rounder will help, but their two additional first-round selections will arrive in the next two seasons. My point is that this will be a rebuilding year for the Rams. 

This eliminates one of the three competitors fighting for the 49ers' NFC West crown. 

Jason Jones (DT), Seattle Seahawks

This was a marvelous addition by the Seattle Seahawks. While somewhat smallish for the position, Jones will still fit perfectly in Seattle's 4-3 defense. 

He is versatile to play both inside and out, and should complement recently signed Red Bryant.

The 49ers' offensive line could struggle against the Seahawks' improved defensive line. While the Niners boast the division's best front seven, the Seahawks are gaining. 

Adam Snyder (OT/OG), Arizona Cardinals

Again, this may be a minor move but it has implications for the 49ers. While Snyder played well at RG last season, he was never the long-term answer at that position. 

The Niners are without Snyder and possibly Chilo Rachal and will have to depend on the mysteriously talented Daniel Kilgore. Kilgore was a mid-round draft pick last season and has shown flashes of big-time potential, but he hasn't received the playing time to flourish. 

Expect Harbaugh to insert the sophomore at RG next season. 

Matt Flynn (QB), Seattle Seahawks

The addition of Flynn should clear the Seahawks' quarterback issues, at least for now. It was a smart deal for the Seahawks, as they signed the young quarterback for far less than many people expected. 

This should protect the Seahawks in the case that Flynn was a one-year––or even one-game––wonder. If Flynn shows he is as advertised, expect this to be a two-team divisional race between the Seattle Seahawks and the Niners, of course.