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: Secondary March 5, Running Backs March 6, Quarterback March 7.
Cap hit of players under contract for 2026 (via OverTheCap.com): Akeem Davis-Gaither ($6,695,000), Mack Wilson Sr. ($4,726,668), Cody Simon ($1,256,190), Owen Pappoe ($1,206,245), Austin Keys ($1,005,000)
Analysis: Entering the season, there were questions about who would take over at middle linebacker and who would call the defense. Mack Wilson Sr. quickly answered, and on the field, the play spoke for itself. But it was the discussion after his Week 9 injury that proved just how valuable he was as a captain. Cody Simon took over Wilson's role, and while the rookie had to learn on the go, he credited Wilson for assisting from the sideline. Since taking over as the starter in Week 10, Simon had 67 tackles, two tackles for loss, and had half of a sack against the Bengals.
Wilson's rib injury shouldn't linger into the 2026 season.
Akeem Davis-Gaither joined the Cardinals in free agency last year. After spending majority of his time as a special teamer in Cincinnati, this was Davis-Gaither's first true season primarily playing defense. He finished one tackle shy of 100, which ranked him second on the team.
The free agency class has a handful of team captains and a Pro Bowler that will reach the open market. There are also players like Jacob Rodriguez and Jake Golday in the draft that could catch the Cardinals' interest on day two of the draft.
Notable past free agent inside linebacker signings: Wilson (2024); Kyzir White (2023); De'Vondre Campbell (2020); Jordan Hicks (2019); Josh Bynes (2017); Karlos Dansby (2017); LaMarr Woodley (2015); Larry Foote (2014); Dansby (2013); Paris Lenon (2010); Seth Joyner (1994).
A look at some of the top inside linebackers across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) runs to the ball during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Titans 41-7. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) in action during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush lines up during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) defends the pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) defends during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) lines up during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) pursues a play on defense against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Detroit, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker LaVontae David (54) looks to defend during a NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is tackled by Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton during the first the half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (58) rushes during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes)
