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: Tight ends Feb. 28, Outside Linebackers March 1, Wide Receivers March 2, Defensive Line March 3, Inside Linebackers March 4, Inside Linebackers March 4, Secondary March 5, Running Backs March 6, Quarterback March 7.

Other free agent primers: Special Teams

Cap hit of players under contract for 2026 (via OverTheCap.com): Paris Johnson Jr. ($8,925,783), Hjalte Froholdt ($6,958,334), Evan Brown ($6,410,000), Isaiah Adams ($1,629,485), Jon Gaines II ($1,328,060), Christian Jones ($1,52,614), Demontrey Jacobs (1,075,000), Hayden Conner ($1,048,570), Josh Fryar ($1,016,666), Valentin Senn ($898,333)

Analysis: One of the gigantic question marks of the offseason revolves around some of the biggest individuals in the building. The Cardinals have a decision to make at right tackle and along the interior. Jonah Williams, who was the big free agent signing of the 2024 class, suffered back-to-back season-ending injuries, which required veteran offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum to play significant snaps. Both Williams and Beachum are free agents. With the Cardinals holding the third pick in the draft, they are in prime position to take the top offensive tackle, with some projecting a selection of Miami's Francis Mauigoa or Utah's Spencer Fano.

The Cardinals could also address the offensive line through free agency. Towards the end of training camp, the Cardinals brought back Will Hernandez to compete for the right guard spot. After seven starts, Hernandez was shut down for the season with hip and knee injuries. Isaiah Adams, who had a slow start to his second NFL season, replaced Hernandez and strung together solid performances. Jon Gaines II received praise from the staff for his ability to step in for Evan Brown. The left guard missed the final five games for personal reasons. Brown is entering the final year of his contract, as is the lone 17-game starter on the Cardinals offensive line in center Hjalte Froholdt.

While Paris Johnson Jr.'s season also ended on Injured Reserve, the left tackle showcased why he can be a cornerstone piece to build on. The 2023 first-round pick is available for a contract extension. When asked about that during the combine, general manager Monti Ossenfort mentioned he wants to keep Johnson in the building.

"I know he's focused on continuing to ascend," Ossenfort said, adding the Cardinals "want him to be a part of our program for a long time."

Notable past free agent offensive line signings: Williams (2024); Froholdt (2023); Hernandez (2022); Beachum (2020); Justin Pugh (2018); Andre Smith (2018); Alex Boone (2017); Earl Watford (2017); Evan Mathis (2016); Mike Iupati (2015); A.Q. Shipley (2015); Jared Veldheer (2014); Ted Larsen (2014); Eric Winston (2013); Adam Snyder (2012); Daryn Colledge (2011); Rex Hadnot (2010); Mike Gandy (2007); Al Johnson (2007); Milford Brown (2006); Oliver Ross (2005); Pete Kendall (2001); Mike Gruttadauria (2000); Lester Holmes (1998); Lomas Brown (1996).