Mike LaFleur is slated to enter his first free agency cycle as a head coach. As he and Monti Ossenfort assemble a roster, how they approach the acquisition process will shape the identity LaFleur hopes to create in Year One. Owner Michael Bidwill said that he wanted a quick turnaround after a disappointing 2025 season. First stop: Free Agency.

Free Agent primer schedule: Inside Linebackers March 4, Secondary March 5, Running Backs March 6, Quarterback March 7.

Other free agent primers: Special Teams, OL, TE, OLB, WR

Cap hit of players under contract for 2026 (via OverTheCap.com): Dalvin Tomlinson ($16,200,000), Bilal Nichols ($7,805,000), Walter Nolen III ($4,401,716), Darius Robinson ($3,782,544), Dante Stills ($3,707,333), Zachary Carter ($1,215,000)

Analysis: When looking at the defensive line in 2025, the conversation starts and ends with Calais Campbell. In his 18th season, the veteran proved that there was a bit left in the tank. But Campbell, if he doesn't retire, is going to be a free agent. As a free agent last offseason, he did not ink a deal until April, so there's a chance Campbell's future won't have an answer when free agency opens on March 11.

There's no question that the Cardinals have invested in the defensive line. In addition to Campbell, the Cardinals spent big to sign Dalvin Tomlinson, while also drafting a defensive lineman in the first round in back-to-back drafts. More is needed. While Tomlinson took up plenty of space and faced double teams all season, TFLs and sack production took a dip. Darius Robinson struggled to bring down the quarterback, while Walter Nolen III was unable to stay healthy and is coming off surgery. In six games played, Nolen's two sacks placed him behind Campbell and Josh Sweat for most sacks in 2025 individually.

The 2026 free agency class features plenty of disruptive front-seven playmakers. Within Nick Rallis' scheme, there will be a mix of creative looks along the line of scrimmage, but ultimately, the addition of a difference maker will unlock a different element to the unit.

Notable past free agent defensive line signings: Justin Jones (2024); Bilal Nichols (2024); L.J. Collier (2023); J.J. Watt (2021); Jordan Phillips (2020); Darius Philon (2019); Corey Peters (2015); Cory Redding (2015); Frostee Rucker (2013); Bryan Robinson (2008); Kendrick Clancy (2006); Chike Okeafor (2005); Bertrand Berry (2004); Clyde Simmons (1994).