What the Cardinals could have been in 2024, and what they turned out to be, was not the same, much to the chagrin of everyone with the team.
"I'm disappointed we're not playing right now, and that falls on me first and it's our own doing," coach Jonathan Gannon said. "I also told them the game is fair. We shouldn't be playing right now."
The games are done. The work now begins to make sure the ending is much different next season. Under Gannon, the Cardinals went from four wins to eight and now move toward a third year in which a similar jump -- and the accompanying potential postseason berth -- will be the expectation.
GM Monti Ossenfort has worked diligently to build up the roster with an offseason coming for more important pieces -- perhaps a difference-maker or two through free agency, another draft from which to add. The Cardinals will select 16th overall in the first round -- barring a trade -- and will find themselves in the middle of each round for most of their six picks.
They also, as always, have a handful of their own free agents to decide if they want back, although extensions for Budda Baker, Zaven Collins, Hjalte Froholdt and James Conner since the season started eliminated a lot of the heavy lifting.
"Everybody in this building knows change is inevitable," Gannon said. "That's going to happen. The team is not going to look like this."
According to overthecap.com, the Cardinals are projected to have about $68 million in salary cap space, as of Jan. 13. That will go a long way in allowing flexibility in the next few crucial team-building months.
With the season coming to a close, azcardinals.com writer Darren Urban gives his personal take on the majority of the Cardinals' roster heading into the offseason. UFA is unrestricted free agent. RFA is restricted free agent (and whose movement can be controlled with a tender offer, which gives right of first refusal). ERFA is exclusive rights, meaning a player must accept a tender offer.
Free agency always plays a big role in how the roster evolves for next season, given the free-agents-to-be. Comments are for today and the future for any particular player is fluid.
| QUARTERBACKS | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Kyler Murray | 2028 | QB1 isn't going anywhere |
| Clayton Tune | 2026 | Won backup job; question is who third QB in offseason might be |
| RUNNING BACKS | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Trey Benson | 2027 | Injury cut short rookie season, but he flashed at times |
| Michael Carter | 2025 | He's an effective veteran, but trying to crack crowded room |
| James Conner | 2026 | There is a reason they extended him at his age to be RB1 |
| DeeJay Dallas | 2026 | Invaluable as special teamer |
| Emari Demercado | 2025 | The one guy many thought wouldn't be around showed why he should as blocker/3rd-down back |
| WIDE RECEIVERS | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Greg Dortch | *RFA* | Again seemed to make late-season plays when opportunity knocks |
| Zay Jones | *UFA* | Didn't get many targets but is a calming locker room presence |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | 2027 | No, his rookie year wasn't all that, but it was good, regardless of the chatter |
| Zach Pascal | *UFA* | Good special-teamer, although on social media intimated he might be moving on |
| Xavier Weaver | 2026 | Could he be the team's downfield threat? |
| Michael Wilson | 2026 | Stayed healthy. But wants his numbers to be better, and so would Cards |
| TIGHT ENDS | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Elijah Higgins | 2026 | Continues to trend up in his position change |
| Trey McBride | 2025 | One of best in the league. Period. (Also eligible for a contract extension) |
| Tip Reiman | 2027 | Solid rookie season |
| Benhard Seikovits | Signed futures contract | The journey continues for 5th year with their international guy |
| Travis Vokolek | *ERFA* | Expect him back into young, deep room |
| OFFENSIVE LINE | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Isaiah Adams (G) | 2027 | Rookie earned his starting spot and should stay there |
| Jackson Barton (T) | *UFA* | Underrated depth piece that was solid when he played |
| Kelvin Beachum (T) | *UFA* | Made clear he wants to keep playing, and also believes he is an NFL starter |
| Evan Brown (G) | *UFA* | Veteran quietly did his job all season |
| Trystan Colon (G/C) | *UFA* | Started for a time, will have to fight for spot if he returns |
| Hjalte Froholdt (C) | 2026 | Team showed their belief when they signed him to extension |
| Jon Gaines (C/G) | 2026 | Became accessory in packages as sixth OL |
| Will Hernandez (G) | *UFA* | Coming off ACL tear but played excellent before injury; will he return? |
| Paris Johnson Jr. (T) | 2026 | Continued to show why he is long-term LT |
| Christian Jones (T) | 2027 | Finally got a chance to play at end of season but knows he has growing to do |
| Nick Leverett (G/T) | 2025 | Late-season add to the roster |
| Jonah Williams (T) | 2025 | Played well when he played, but suffered two harsh knee injuries |
| DEFENSIVE LINE | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| L.J. Collier | *UFA* | Finally got his full season in and did well; makes sense to return |
| Justin Jones | 2026 | Big FA signing got hurt early on |
| Naquan Jones | *UFA* | Like 2023, started on back-burner, turned into important contributor |
| Roy Lopez | *UFA* | Both on field and in locker room, makes sense to bring back |
| Bilal Nichols | 2026 | Like Justin Jones, early injury derailed FA addition |
| Darius Robinson | 2027 | Took a long time to get on field; second year key for 1st-round pick |
| Dante Stills | 2026 | Pushing himself to improve but continues to be important rotational piece |
| Khyiris Tonga | *UFA* | Played role as nose tackle, TBD if he is in future plans |
| OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Baron Browning | *UFA* | Trade acquisition seemed to play way into 2025 spot |
| Zaven Collins | 2026 | Coaches praise him every chance they get |
| Victor Dimukeje | *UFA* | If he returns will have to fight for roster spot |
| Dennis Gardeck | *UFA* | Team sack leader when he suffered his second ACL tear |
| Jesse Luketa | *RFA* | Seemed to be making some headway before injury |
| Julian Okwara | *UFA* | Got his lone sack of season in finale |
| BJ Ojulari | 2026 | Need him to come back strong off ACL tear |
| Xavier Thomas | 2027 | Cardinals hope he can make big jump in second year |
| Benton Whitley | 2025 | Grabbed at end of the season for offseason looksee |
| INSIDE LINEBACKERS | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Krys Barnes | *UFA* | Just does his job and steps in when needed |
| Milo Eifler | 2025 | Among a few young players hoping to make impression |
| Vi Jones | 2025 | Late pickup will try to find way to stick |
| Owen Pappoe | 2026 | Good on special teams and flashed his serious sideline-to-sideline speed at times |
| Kyzir White | *UFA* | Captain and leader, although teased on social media he may be going elsewhere |
| Mack Wilson Sr. | 2026 | Excellent free-agent pickup can play inside and outside |
| CORNERBACKS | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Kei'Trel Clark | 2026 | Impressive interception in finale but will have to work to get up from deep depth chart |
| Elijah Jones | 2027 | Got a redshirt year with his ankle injury |
| Max Melton | 2027 | Second-round rookie headed for significant future role |
| Starling Thomas V | 2025 | Young DB started 15 games for Nick Rallis |
| Sean Murphy-Bunting | 2026 | Struggled at times but coaches like his veteran presence and experience |
| Garrett Williams | 2026 | In second season, showed he could be excellent in secondary |
| SAFETIES | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Budda Baker | 2027 | Great season, Pro Bowl berth, new contract |
| Joey Blount | *RFA* | Another good special teams season |
| Andre Chachere | *RFA* | Found a way to return late in season |
| Dadrion Taylor-Demerson | 2027 | "Rabbit" showed he will has bright future |
| Jalen Thompson | 2025 | Versatile play, although vet will be looking for more turnovers next year |
| Jammie Robinson | 2026 | Another late-season addition that coaches will evaluate |
| SPECIALISTS | SIGNED THROUGH | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Brewer (LS) | *UFA* | Steady, and there is no greater compliment for a snapper |
| Blake Gillikin (P) | 2025 | Got injured, but has proven to be effective weapon |
| Michael Palardy (P) | *UFA* | Did his job as late-season replacement |
| Matt Prater (K) | *UFA* | Great start, frustrating finish with knee injury |
| Chad Ryland (K) | 2025 | Cardinals might've found diamond in rough |
