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: 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, OL, TE, OLB
Cap hit of players under contract for 2026 (via OverTheCap.com): Marvin Harrison Jr. ($9,647,657), Michael Wilson ($4,144,811), Andre Baccellia ($1,145,000), Jalen Brooks ($1,145,000), Xavier Weaver ($1,085,000), Ihmir Smith-Marsette ($1,075,000), Tejhaun Palmer ($1,005,000), Bryson Green ($885,000)
Analysis: In what had been a frustrating season for many, Michael Wilson's arrival as a top-notch pass catcher in 2025 was one of the most encouraging signs. With Marvin Harrison Jr. nursing multiple injuries, Wilson put up eye-popping numbers as the top wide receiver. In the first five games, Wilson had 52 yards. He ended the season on an explosive streak, passing the 1,000-yard milestone in the finale.
While Wilson's emergence was a welcome sight, it came to be because of the room getting ravaged by injuries. Harrison's season started out rocky and when he was starting to find a rhythm, an appendicitis procedure never allowed him to return to 100 percent. He ended the season with a lingering heel issue.
Harrison was one of many that had season-ending injuries. Zay Jones, Simi Fehoko, and Andre Baccellia suffered similar fate, ultimately testing the unit's depth. It highlighted the importance for Monti Ossenfort to add additional players to the rotation, especially with Jones and Greg Dortch slated to hit the open market. Outside of Wilson and Harrison, the players the Cardinals currently have under contract combined for 12 receptions for 126 yards in 2025.
Notable past free agent wide receiver signings: A.J. Green (2021); Brice Butler (2018); Ted Ginn (2014); Sean Morey (2007).
A look at some of the top tight ends across the NFL who are scheduled to become free agents in mid-March
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) waits for a pass during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 36-19. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) finds running room after catching a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) runs with the ball as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Shavon Revel (34) defends during the second half an NFL football game Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) lines up across from Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson (2) during an NFL football game, Sunday Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Brian Westerholt)
Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk runs after catching a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) makes a catch against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed runs with the ball during the first half of the NFL Super Bowl 60 football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell (5) works during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) runs past Baltimore Ravens safety Alohi Gilman (12) during an NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) runs against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
