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: Outside Linebackers March 1, Wide Receivers March 2, Defensive Line March 3, Inside Linebackers March 4, Secondary March 5, Running Backs March 6, Quarterback March 7.
Other free agent primers: Special Teams, OL, TE
Cap hit of players under contract for 2026 (via OverTheCap.com): Josh Sweat ($16,385,000), Baron Browning ($9,415,000), Zaven Collins ($6,053,217), BJ Ojulari ($2,735,605), Jordan Burch ($1,474,881), Eku Leota ($1,145,000), Elliott Brown ($885,000)
Analysis: Josh Sweat was the splash signing in the last free agency cycle, and after a year in the Valley, proved to be worth every penny. While a knee injury lingered throughout the back half of the season, Sweat continued to be a difference maker. He was the team leader with a career-high 12 sacks and a Pro Bowl alternate.
Outside of Sweat, the production wasn't there as the other edge rushers combined for 5.5 sacks. In the past, the coaching staff had said sacks aren't necessarily a stat they're overly worried about, focusing more on the disruption they can cause a quarterback. Within Nick Rallis' system, the outside linebackers also would occasionally drop into coverage. Yet there's acknowledgment that more is needed from that room.
The draft has plenty of quality options, especially ones that will be available when the Cardinals are on the clock at three. However, the free agency class is also loaded with talent, headlined by Trey Hendrickson and Jaelan Phillips.
Notable past free agent outside linebacker signings: Sweat (2025); Devon Kennard (2020); Terrell Suggs (2019); Dwight Freeney (2015); John Abraham (2013); Joey Porter (2010); Clark Haggans (2008); Travis LaBoy (2008).
A look at some of the top outside linebackers across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) lines up before a snap during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar)
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jaelan Phillips in action during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Houston Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard (71) grabs Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa (97) rushes the quarterback against the Denver Broncos in an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) fights off pressure from Seattle Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) before throwing a pass during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) lines up during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Haason Reddick (5) lines up on defense against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game, Sunday Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye (51) defends during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
New England Patriots linebacker K'lavon Chaisson (44) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
