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).
A look at some of the top defensive backs across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) in coverage during the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean plays against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) catches a pass over Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) works during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker, left, breaks up a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (8) gets set during the NFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ben VanHouten)
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson in action against the Indianapolis Colts during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Los Angeles Rams safety Kam Curl (3) runs during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Samantha Chow)
Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright, left, breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson, right, during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Huh)
Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) takes his stance during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
