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: Offensive line Feb. 27, Tight end Feb. 28, Outside Linebacker March 1, Wide Receiver March 2, Defensive Line March 3, Inside Linebacker March 4, Secondary March 5, Running Back March 6, Quarterback March 7.

Analysis: Typically, when we put together these free agent primers, we begin by highlighting the players that are under contract and the cap hit. But no specialist is currently under contract heading into the 2026 season, which provides an interesting introduction for new special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial.

"Every year in the National Football League is singular, so every year, you go back to the drawing board in terms of evaluation, which is the process that we're in right now," Ghobrial said. "That process does take a lot of time, but it's an important one, because you want to make sure that you have the right people in the building."

Long snapper Aaron Brewer completed his 14th season in the league. As reliable as they come, if there's interest in playing another season, the Cardinals would likely bring back the veteran. He has signed a one-year contract every season since 2022.

The injury bug trickled into the special teams room this past season. Punter Blake Gillikin sustained a back injury that sidelined him for the majority of the season. The Cardinals brought in Pat O'Donnell, who lasted five games, and then added Matt Haack. In seven games, Haack averaged 51.3 yards per punt, with ten of his 25 punts landing inside the 20.

The Cardinals will have options at kicker. The team ended the season with both Chad Ryland and Joshua Karty on the 53-man roster. Despite bringing in Karty prior to Week 17, Ryland kept the starting role. Ryland is a restricted free agent and Karty is an exclusive rights free agent. In Ryland's case, if the the Cardinals extend a tender offer, they can match any team's offer to Ryland or receive draft compensation. With Karty being an ERFA, if the Cardinals offer him a contract, he'll remain in Arizona.

Notable past free agent special teams signings: K Matt Prater (2021); K Phil Dawson (2017); P Andy Lee (2017); LS Aaron Brewer (2016); K Chandler Catanzaro (2014); P Drew Butler (2014); P Dave Zastudil (2011); K Jay Feely (2010); K Mike Nugent (2009); LS Mike Leach (2009); P Ben Graham (2008); P Dirk Johnson (2008); K Neil Rackers (2003); LS Nathan Hodel (2001); K Cary Blanchard (2000); K Chris Jacke (1998); P Scott Player (1998); K Joe Nedney (1997); LS Trey Junkin (1996); P Jeff Feagles (1994).