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: Running Backs March 6, Quarterback March 7.
Cap hit of players under contract for 2026 (via OverTheCap.com): Budda Baker ($19,216,250), Sean Murphy-Bunting ($9,245,000), Garrett Williams ($3,948,533), Max Melton ($2,424,084), Will Johnson ($2,138,811), Joey Blount ($1,780,000), Elijah Jones ($1,550,596), Dadrion Taylor-Demerson ($1,286,711), Kei'Trel Clark ($1,197,150), Denzel Burke ($1,085,054), Kitan Crawford ($1,039,473), Jaden Davis ($1,005,000), Kalen King ($1,005,000)
Analysis: The Cardinals had a handful of moving pieces within the secondary last season, which began as early as April when Sean Murphy-Bunting's was placed on NFI. Starling Thomas V's ACL injury occurred during training camp. Before the first game, the Cardinals were down two corners. Fast forward to the end of the season and the secondary spent significant time without Max Melton, Will Johnson, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Joey Blount, and Garrett Williams. Williams injured his knee in Week 2 and tore his Achilles against the Falcons in Week 16.
Jalen Thompson is already slated to hit the open market and his options will be interesting to see. Thomas too will hit free agency, and there could be other roster moves considered by GM Monti Ossenfort.
Budda Baker remains one of the top safeties in the NFL. The question will be will the Cardinals run it back with Thompson, give Taylor-Demerson an opportunity to be a starter, or bring a new piece to the secondary.
Notable past free agent secondary signings: Sean Murphy-Bunting (2024); Robert Alford (2019); Tre Boston (2018); Antoine Bethea (2017); Tramon Williams (2017); Tyvon Branch (2016); Antonio Cromartie (2014); Jerraud Powers (2013); Antoine Cason (2013); William Gay (2012); Bryant McFadden (2009); Roderick Hood (2007); Ralph Brown (2007); David Macklin (2004); Dexter Jackson (2003); Duane Starks (2002); Andre Waters (1994); Mike Zordich (1989).
