A lot of non-football importance to the week, with the organization breaking ground on Thursday for the new practice complex and business offices up in north Phoenix, and then Cardinals Climb at State Farm Stadium on Saturday. And by the time next week's mailbag arrives, I and others will be heading to Indianapolis for the Scouting Combine.
A quick message for Jake S. who sent in questions about Cardinals Climb -- this is why you need to put in an email address, so I can respond to you. Please reach out again and let us know how to contact you. I am at askdarren@cardinals.nfl.net.
In the meantime, here is this week's mailbag. Don't forget to send a question for a future mailbag with at least a first name and last initial.
From James Long:
"I like Nick Rallis as an X's and O's coordinator, but the thing about his retention is the lack of young player development; namely Darius Robinson, Max Melton, and Elijah Jones. I know its still early, but are we getting new positional coaches on the defensive side of the ball? If we run back the D, exactly as its been, that doesn't make sense."
The new staff has yet to be announced, but a bunch of defensive staff already have left for other jobs, including the defensive line coaches and the secondary coaches, so yes, those will be new faces. GM Monti Ossenfort has made clear that development of the young players/draft picks is crucial; I can only assume that was at the top of the list among the things the organization was seeking in a new coach (and his staff). And I am sure it was taken into account in deciding to stick with Rallis as coordinator.
From Andrew Freeman:
"What is the rationale behind keeping the DC?"
Right now, all we have is Mike LaFleur's comment from the press release announcing Rallis' retention.
"During the interview process, I expressed that he was someone I held in high regard and would be very interested in talking to about the position. I've had the chance to meet with him and pick his brain over the last couple weeks and am even more impressed than I was before. I know the respect he has from coaches around the league and especially with the players on this team and that says a lot to me."
There should be press conferences sooner rather than later so I'm sure the subject will come up. But I would guess having some consistency is part of it, as would be experience -- the other names that surfaced later in the conversations were in the same boat as Rallis was in 2023. It was notable, at least to me, that the Raiders under Klint Kubiak also stayed with a holdover and promoted their defensive line coach to DC after talking to outside candidates.
From Travis K:
"Hey Darren, appreciate the content and your time to answer us scrubs! With how severe James Conner's injury appeared, is it realistic that he will be our workhorse No. 1 back next season? With his age and position, does coming back as the lead guy sound plausible? It's unfortunate, because he has been my favorite player these last few years. Absolutely love that run style. Who are the bigger named free agent running backs out there? Thanks again."
We have not gotten any kind of update on Conner's health so I can't say where he is there. Personally, I hope Conner remains a key part of the team; he provides so much to a team and a locker room. But we know the NFL is a business, and the questions you raise I am sure being discussed. The biggest name free agents right now, which I am not sure will apply to the Cardinals (I am from the not-spend-a-ton-on-a-big-FA-RB camp) would be Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall and Javonte Williams. Trey Benson, in theory, will be healthy and back in the mix; we will see how LaFleur sees his role. But first, yes, they need to determine what they expect from Conner this season.
From Matthew Wehe:
"I am concerned! Can I say that?! Why isn't anyone talking about the amazing season Jacoby had? Averaged 280 yards, that would have bested Matthew Stafford's season had Jacoby played all 17. He didn't have a running attack to help play action. He didn't have as much time on the field because of our injury-riddled defense. Michael Wilson may have been traded in offseason had Brissett not taken over. McBride had 1 TD in the first 5 games and 10 TDs in last 12 games. Now we can shore up OL and maybe add a pass rusher and stay healthy and we win NFC West."
I am excited to hear from Brissett-backer Matthew again, a Brissettliever in the biggest way. And yes, Matthew, Brissett is an option to play QB. Could he, in a different offense and a run game, be Darnold-esque? Perhaps. There were stats. But LaFleur and Hackett will watch all the video and put those stats into perspective. I don't think anyone is underestimating Brissett, but there isn't going to be anything decided with him without evaluation on and off the field.
From Ken M:
"What are chances of retaining Kyler Murray for the next season or two and not waste the expected cap hit?"
That is one of the questions the Cardinals would be considering right now. However, cap hits can be dealt with (see Broncos and Russell Wilson) and every team has figured out a better way to do such things since the early 2000s when it was much more difficult (and the cap is jumping again too). Cap hits with most teams is more now about having a little less to be able to spend rather than actual roster concern. If the Cardinals stay with Kyler, I don't think it'll be because they don't want to waste cap (and that's not why you should be basing the decision on either.)
From Daniel Martin del Campo:
"Darren, I am glad to ask a question here again after several months without something valuable to ask, in any case, I believe that, as a Cardinals fan from Mexico City this question is valuable for me. Do you know or believe the Cardinals will play in the Mexico City 2026 game? I need to be mentally/emotionally prepared in any case, thanks a lot in advance and say hello to Paul, Craig and Dani from me!"
So we know now that the 49ers will be the "home" team for the 2026 Mexico City game. Do the Cardinals play at the 49ers this season? Of course. But the Cardinals and 49ers have already played in Mexico City twice before. I wouldn't think the NFL would want to run that matchup back for a third time. In addition, the 49ers are the "road" team in the game against the Rams in Australia this season, and I wouldn't think the NFL would be seeking a second NFC West game internationally.
We will see if the Cardinals get an international game this season. They visit the Cowboys (Rio de Janeiro) and Saints (Paris) this season, so there are two possibilities. But when we get to May, we will see. There are a lot of international spots that need to be distributed.
From Sebas Quiros:
"Hey Darren, how are you doing? When a player signs an extension, what happens with the money they are still owed from their previous contract? Does that money still have to be paid or does it become void or neglected by the new contract?"
Well Sebas, it's been remarkably busy given what normally happens in late January/early February, but that's inevitable with a new Hall of Famer and a new coach and a new giant charitable event. But thanks for asking!
With contract extensions, it depends on the structure of the new deal. Oftentimes, with a bigger contract, the old one is just "ripped up" and the new one takes over. The "old" money on what's left -- let's say there is one year left on a deal worth $3 million -- is taken into account when figuring out the total value (salaries and more importantly, up front guarantees) of the new contract.
There are times when the new deal is just tacked on to the remaining year or whatever of an old contract too. The player still gets his signing bonus up front. Just depends on the situation.
From Stan Wells:
"Hi Darren. Loved your story on Anquan Boldin. Guy was a special wide receiver and a good dude who represents everything you want in a football player. Really happy to see him and the organization are friends again. You know what my question is, and you knew it was coming when you writing that piece, so here it is lol."
From Justin D:
"I appreciated the recent article you wrote about Anquan and the repaired relationship with the organization. It seems like similar progress has been made recently with Patrick Peterson. My question is what are the chances of those guys making into the Ring of Honor?"
Props to Stan for playing the game with his question that came early in the week, and then Justin came out later on with his much more straightforward ask. Yes Stan, I knew once I wrote it fans like you guys were going to ask the ROH question. Honestly, I don't know. Justin, when Peterson came back for his retirement ceremony it was made clear he was going to get in at some point. (I'm not going to get into the Fitz piece of this right now, but that is coming, soon, and then after Fitz there will be more clarity on other ROH candidates.)
Personally, I would love to see Anquan up there. He isn't the only potential addition for that honor, but speaking on him, I would argue that the arrival of Adrian Wilson in 2001 and Boldin in 2003 that were the true foundation of what the Cardinals became in 2008-09. Wilson is in the Ring. There are few players I enjoyed watching and covering more than Anquan Boldin. He is what an NFL player should be about.
