It wasn't the season many expected as the Cardinals head into the offseason searching for a new coach. However, there were plenty of moments and individuals that shined bright. The Cardinals offense had two 1,000-yard pass catchers plus a free-agent signing made a big splash in his first season with the team.
As voted on by our 13-member panel, here are the Cardinals key players and plays of the 2025 season.
Offensive Player of the Year: Michael Wilson (6 votes)
Others receiving votes: Trey McBride (4), Jacoby Brissett (2)
Wilson's 2025 statistics: 78 receptions for 1,006 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Voter takes on Wilson:
"Michael Wilson had a breakout second half of the season when asked to step up as the top wideout. He showcased his skillsets week after week: Catching the ball away from his body, making acrobatic catches, adjusting mid-route, and winning at a consistent level. Wilson surpassed 1,000 yards receiving despite having less than 200 yards through the first eight games. Wilson has every desirable quality of a top receiver, one who can run good routes, win at the point of attack, show up in big moments, and be an asset in the blocking game. When the Cards needed someone other than McBride to step up with a decimated offense and a struggling running game, Wilson delivered. The Cardinals have unleashed a stud at wide receiver." – Dani Sureck, Reporter/Producer
"Without a doubt, Wilson responded to both opportunity and adversity. He reached the 1,000-yard mark despite never recording more than four catches in his first 10 weeks. Beyond the personal accolades, Wilson consistently put the team first. That speaks volumes about the kind of teammate he is -- and the type of leader he's becoming." - Irving Villanueva, Bilingual Producer/Spanish Color Analyst
"His breakout season deserves a new nickname = 'WR1K'" - Paul Calvisi, Reporter/Host
Defensive Player of the Year: Josh Sweat (10 votes)
Others receiving votes: Calais Campbell (1), Budda Baker (1), Mack Wilson Sr. (1)
Sweat's 2025 statistics: 30 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 passes defended.
Voter takes on Sweat:
"Twelve sacks in 2025. That's a ton of quarterbacks hitting the turf. Sweat basically spent the season saying: 'You shall not pass ... without some bruises.'" - Luis Hernandez, Spanish Radio Play-by-Play
"Sweat piled up 12 sacks and boosted an area the Cardinals needed help with (and still do). He was as advertised as far as production from a free agent and added leadership to the group." - Jody Ackerley, Cardinals radio analyst
"Consistent pressure versus run or pass, Josh set a career-high with 12 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 2025." – Rob Fredrickson, Cardinals radio analyst
"After Josh Sweat signed his contract in free agency, there was immediate belief that the team added a difference maker along the defensive front. Sweat proved to be worth every penny. Even while playing the end of the season on a gimpy knee/ankle, he managed to secure his 12th sack, which was a career-high for the outside linebacker. He also lined up in 10 different locations and showcased his versatility. Should Sweat have made the Pro Bowl? Absolutely. If he continues to make plays like he did in 2025, they won't have a choice but to acknowledge Sweat as one of the best edge rushers in the NFC." - Zach Gershman, Staff Writer/Reporter
Newcomers of the Year: Calais Campbell (4 votes) and Josh Sweat (4 votes)
Others receiving votes: Walter Nolen III (2), Jacoby Brissett (1), Michael Wilson (1), Will Johnson (1)
Campbell's 2025 statistics: 43 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, 2 passes defended, 1 field goal block, 1 PAT block.
Sweat's 2025 statistics: 30 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 2 passes defended.
Voter takes on Campbell:
"Can we said Oldcomer? Might have been Walt Nolen had the rookie been healthy, but instead the 39-year-old came home and got 6.5 sacks and was a Hall of Fame locker room guy." – Darren Urban, Director, Editorial Content/Senior Writer
"Doesn't just play football. Anchors the defense, bosses the locker room, and looks good talking to the media. He's basically the adult supervision every team needs." – Luis Hernandez, Spanish Radio Play-by-Play
"Campbell's drive and joy in coming to work each day in Year 18 was an example for all to follow. Even though his snaps were limited, he was able to still make an impact in games with dramatic plays like sacks and blocked kicks." - Jody Ackerley, Cardinals radio analyst
Voter takes on Sweat:
"Despite getting 'chipped into oblivion' (his words), Sweat consistently forced QB's into a cold sweat as a premiere pass rusher." – Paul Calvisi, Reporter/Host
"Only pass rush production most of year. Phenomenal addition. provided pass rush where there was none before he got here." - A.Q. Shipley, Cardinals analyst
"Josh Sweat had a somewhat sneaky good year, although the stats aren't quiet at all: a career-high 12.0 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits, all team-highs. Sweat was a major upgrade to the pass rush and if the defense can generate pressure at a higher rate elsewhere, that sets him up for even more impact. Plus, something tells me that Sweat's frustration about being a Pro Bowl alternate will fuel him for another powerful season." - Dani Sureck, Reporter/Producer
Play of the Year: Michael Wilson 32-yard touchdown against the Falcons (4 votes)
Others receiving votes: Calais Campbell game-winning sack vs Carolina (2), Trey McBride's 117th reception at Cincinnati (1), Michael Wilson one-handed fourth down catch vs Seattle (1), Matt Haack fake punt at Los Angeles (1), Michael Wilson's 38-yard touchdown at Cincinnati (1), Jalen Thompson's forced fumble, returned for a touchdown by Walter Nolen III vs Jacksonville (1), Marvin Harrison Jr. touchdown vs DaRon Bland in Dallas (1), Michael Wilson's one-handed touchdown vs Los Angeles (1)
Voter takes on Wilson's 32-yard touchdown vs the Falcons:
"It wasn't a catch until after Wilson, who was heavily defended on the play, had landed (and after review), securing the football while on his back." – Craig Grialou, Digital Content Coordinator
"Michael Wilson's touchdown coach against Atlanta is one of many highlights showing that Wilson can be a true number one receiver for years to come." - Dave Pasch, Radio Play-by-Play
Beyond the Box Score Player of the Year: Calais Campbell (3 votes) and Michael Wilson (3 votes)
Others receiving votes: Kelvin Beachum (2), Walter Nolen III (1), Mack Wilson Sr. (1), Hjalte Froholdt (1), Jacoby Brissett (1), Will Johnson (1)
Voter takes on Campbell:
"His leadership and mentoring were invaluable to the team, but this old dog can still hunt. With 6.5 sacks, 2 blocked kicks, and a heck of a lot more defensive snaps played than he anticipated, Calais will go down as one of the greatest Cardinals and go up on the Ring of Honor." - Rob Fredrickson, Cardinals radio analyst
"A mentor to so many players, not just fellow defensive linemen. Everyone could go to him for advice on everything from good nutrition to managing your 401k." - Kent Somers, Cardinals radio analyst
Voter takes on Wilson:
"Yes, he fills up the box score too, with his first 1,000-yard season. But it was the rest of it -- the willingness to be the blocking guy early in the season, the understanding he might not be the first target, even after he got white-hot, the team-first mentality -- that wins this honor in my view." - Darren Urban, Director, Editorial Content/Senior Writer
"Not even close. Became a star before our eyes when given the opportunity," - A.Q. Shipley, Cardinals color commentator
Most Valuable Cardinal: Trey McBride (12 votes)
Others receiving votes: Jacoby Brissett (1)
McBride's 2025 statistics: 126 receptions for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns.
"Trey McBride has become the NFL's best tight end and it feels like the best is yet to come." - Dave Pasch, Radio Play-by-Play
"This answer feels as obvious as they come. Trey McBride had an absolute stellar year, cementing his legacy in both franchise and NFL record books. His ability to win contested catches, get dirty yards after catch and play with a sense of urgency, all while being double-teamed majority of the season, is incredibly impressive. McBride carried the workload of this offense in an injury-riddled year across the offensive side of the ball. If he can continue this high-level impact at a consistent level, then there's no question we are watching the start of a Hall of Fame career for one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game." – Dani Sureck, Reporter/Producer
"The fourth-year tight end set nearly a half dozen franchise and league records while leading the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns; it's hard to imagine what the Cardinals offense might've looked like without McBride." – Craig Grialou, Digital Content Coordinator
"With a season fully decimated with injuries, Trey McBride was the one constant. Need needed someone to hype up the guys? Trey McBride. Need someone to make a play? Trey McBride. Need someone to prove the fight was still there? Trey McBride was the guy. Oh, and he also smashed a new record almost every week. It was beyond impressive." - Zach Gershman, Staff Writer/Reporter
"He was the best tight end in the league, and he's the Cardinals' best since Hall of Famer Jackie Smith. Such an easy choice." - Kent Somers, Cardinals radio analyst
"Trey McBride represents the Bird Head with pride. The numbers speak for themselves, but No. 85 is more than just stats. The way he carries himself -- on and off the field -- is remarkable. His Mic'd Up moments showed genuine connection with the fans, grounded, humble, and authentic. A superstar athlete, and just as importantly, a superstar person." - Irving Villanueva, Bilingual Producer/Spanish Color Analyst
"Good thing the 'you break it, you buy it' policy doesn't apply because All-Day Trey would owe a lot of money for breaking too many league/team records to list." - Paul Calvisi, Reporter/Host
