NFL Offseason Colonoscopy: Arizona Cardinals

2025 was yet another season of futility from the Cardinals franchise. Ultimately finishing 29th in my Power Rankings, the season would bring the end of the Jonathan Gannon era and a decision to reset the Quarterback position with the release of Kyler Murray.

Final 2026 NFL Power Rankings

While the Cardinals failed to excel in any one area when looking at their PFF rankings, it's clear that while they obviously need a quarterback, they also need an overhaul on Defense. They were the worst rated tackling team in the NFL and also rated extremely low in overall Rush Defense and Coverage. This suggests issues with finishing plays, stopping the run, and holding up on the back end—a trio that usually compounds (missed tackles → extended drives → more stress on coverage). They also rated low in both blocking categories, obviously indicating a need to either reboot the personnel or find a scheme that is suited to the actual talent on the roster.

New head coach Mike LaFleur has brought along Nathaniel Hackett as his Offensive Coordinator. While Hackett has had his ups and downs, his West Coast styled offense might be what this Cardinals team needs- a run game to set up play-action and quick passing. LaFluer decided to retain Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis who has been the Cardinals coordinator since 2023. Based on the performance of the defense last season, this move is truly puzzling. The Cardinals obviously have multiple issues, but the defense wasn't just a glaring weakness- it was gaping open wound, leaking with puss. For a turnaround, they're going to have to get more out of their front 7.

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FREE AGENCY

The big signing so far has been guard Isaac Seumalo who comes over from the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's a good fit for Hackett's scheme that favors outside zone blocking. Adding RB Tyler Allgeier from the Atlanta Falcons should add some thump to the running game. QB Gardner Minshew is the most interesting signing as it isn't clear how the QB depth chart will look come training camp. Jacoby Brissett played admirably at times last season in Murray's absence, but it's hard to believe that the Cardinals aren't actively looking to find 'their guy'. Minshew isn't it either, but the battle for the Bridge Quarterback role is one to watch this summer. WR Kendrick Bourne is also an interesting add as we still don't exactly know what WR Marvin Harrison, Jr is yet as a pro.

DL Roy Lopez from the Detroit Lions is more of run defender, as is S Andrew Wingard from the Jacksonville Jaguars. DL L.J. Collier is back on his fourth consecutive 1 year deal, and his health has been his biggest obstacle.

The only losses to date have been S Jalen Thompson and LB Channing Tindall, neither of whom will be missed.

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DRAFT

I'm a big fan of the PFF mock draft, so I tried multiple to see what I could engineer, with no trading. This is the best I got:

The first two picks were really 'no-brainers'. Klubnik being available in Round 6 was absolutely worth it, even if he is a developmental project. Taking a FB with my last pick was purely based on viewing him as the Best Player Available. This draft is attentive to rebuilding the defensive side of the ball while adding some youth on the OL. If Klubnik can become a viable QB in the NFL, then this draft would definitely be a best case scenario for Arizona.