NFC West.(NFL Free Agents Preview)

ARIZONA CARDINALS

MOVING ON: Four starters might depart as free agents, but only CB Renaldo Hill would be hard to replace. TE Freddie Jones never became a consistent part of the passing game and isn't a good blocker. The team probably will seek an improvement through the draft. MLB Ronald McKinnon was a solid starter for most of his nine seasons but played less of a role in 2004. Gerald Hayes, a third-round pick in 2003, is ready to replace him. RG Cameron Spikes started for most of the past two years, but the club won't make a big effort to keep him. ACTION PLAN: Coach Dennis Green believes in signing several players for the money it would take to land one big free agent. the club has room under the salary cap, although it would like to reserve money to rework WR Anquan Boldin's contract. The team needs a running beck and could pursue the Jets' LaMont Jordan. It wants to bring in a veteran, such as Bills QB Drew Bledsoe, to compete against Josh McCown. It also needs help at guard; the Colts' Rick DeMulling and the Vikings' David Dixon would fit well. The defensive line could use some size and strength inside. Vikings DT Chris Hoven (6-2, 296) supposedly has slipped, but he might be revitalized under Green, his former coach. The club should re-sign some of its own free agents, such as LE Peppi Zellner. Hill is steady and was valuable last season because of injuries to CB Duane Starks. The club is thin at corner, so re-signing Hill should be a priority. Injury-plagued backup DE Kyle Vanden Bosch played better late last season, but the team won't offer him much. If he leaves, the Cardinals could draft an end.--Kent Somers

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

MOVING ON: WR Cedrick Wilson and S Ronnie Heard didn't show enough playmaking ability to warrant big checks and will be replaced, most likely in the draft. Wilson is a serviceable slot receiver. Heard is more suited to backup duty. Backup C Brock Gutierrez likely will leave. Given starting C Jeremy Newberry's back and knee woes, the team must replace Gutierrez with a solid backup. K Todd Peterson has revived his reputation as an accurate veteran, and re-signing him is the key to maintaining consistency on special teams. But he could be a hot commodity in a market lacking proven kickers. ACTION PLAN: The team has avoided making a big splash in the free-agent market since the late '90s, but this spring will be different. Restocking the offense is a must. Deciding what to do at quarterback is a priority considering Tim Rattoy's injuries, and the team could use its No. 1 overall pick on Cal QB Aaron Rodgers. Finding linemen to protect the quarterback is just as vital--the club allowed 52 sacks last season. LT Kwame Harris and RG Justin Smiley are high-priced youngsters who are sure to return, but possibly at different spots. The team also needs veterans to play alongside them. The team lacks a playmaker at receiver, so the 49ers could bid for high-profile free agents such as Jerry Porter, Plaxico Burress, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Joey Galloway. RB Kevan Barlow's job likely is safe, but he needs a stronger backup to push him. Upgrades are needed at several spots on defense, and a beefy nose tackle such as the Bills' Pat Williams might fit well in the planned move to a 3-4 defense.--Cam Inman

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

MOVING ON: The club hasn't pursued free-agent RB Shaun Alexander with much vigor. It lacks a proven replacement and might need to draft a running back early if Alexander leaves. MLB Orlando Huff (6-2, 246) is physical but mistake-prone and likely won't return. Seattle might miss the soft hands of starting TE Itula Mill, ...