I have been thinking about this lately.

Let's face it, the Cardinals suck. And they will likely suck again this season but I do like some of their young players. They are going to probably tank and draft a stud QB in a QB rich draft next season.

By 2029 Stafford has retired and Puka probably isn't a top 3 WR in the NFL anymore. Their young defensive studs either left in FA or are on the decline. Maybe they were able to bring in Stafford's replacement prior to him retiring and he has hit the ground running but the Rams are probably at very least in a retool phase.

By 2029 Trent Williams and CMC have retired. Bosa, Kittle and Warner may still be playing but they are passed their prime. Purdy is still in his prime but have they drafted and developed well enough around him as their current all pros were retiring and declining. Maybe well enough to be a competitive team but still a Super Bowl contender. Probably not. One would imagine 28 and 29 will be retool years for the 49ers as well.

By 2029 Sam Darnold will have gotten paid like a top QB or will have left in FA. All those young studs on defense will have gotten super expensive. JSN probably isn't a top 3 WR in the NFL anymore. It's hard to imagine his frame holds up to the rigors of 100 receptions a year for too many years. Will the Seahawks still be great? or just another team.

So, if the Rams, 49ers and Seahawks are all on the decline around 2029 are the Cardinals the best team in the NFC West?

cc: @HardMoney