The Kyler Murray era is winding down in Arizona. The dual-threat quarterback was drafted No. 1 overall in 2019, and since then, the Cardinals have toiled in mediocrity.
Don’t get us wrong, there’s been some highs. The Hail Murray play against the Bills. Starting the 2021 season 10-2. But the results are the results. In 7 seasons with Murray at the helm, the Cards have one winning season and one playoff appearance. That’s it.
Mind you, this is despite Arizona having high expectations. SportsBettingSites.com regularly had the Cards over/under win total high, and most of the time, the team went under. They disappointed more than Conor McGregor did on betting sites for UFC (which usually had McGregor favored in fights he lost). So the reality is, it’s time to end this era and start anew again.
But moving on from Murray is not the end-all, be-all fix to the franchise’s woes. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2015, so the organizational issues predate Murray (or Josh Rosen). Ahead of the offseason, we’ve put together a checklist for the Cardinals roster. Here’s what we think the biggest priorities should be:
Sign A New Quarterback
Mike LaFleur is the new head coach after serving as the Rams’ offensive coordinator. He’s another young, offensive-minded coach who’s become the fascination of NFL teams after the successes of LaFluer’s old boss, Sean McVay, his brother, Matt LaFluer, and Kyle Shanahan. The coach needs a quarterback to build an offensive identity, and we think that should come from free agency.
Notice how we didn’t say the NFL Draft? Arizona has the No. 3 pick in the draft, normally good enough to draft a franchise-altering quarterback. However, it’s widely believed this QB draft class is lacking aside from Fernando Mendoza, who’s likely going No. 1.
Maybe next year, the Cards draft someone, but for 2026, they need to upgrade from Jacoby Brissett, who started many games for them in Murray’s injury absence. Malik Willis is available (and LaFleur would have insight on him from his brother). Maybe Anthony Richardson will become available soon. Heck, even a veteran like Kirk Cousins will be there for the taking. Who LeFleur wants steering the ship in Year 1 will be instrumental to his long-term success.
Rework The Offensive Line
No matter who ends up at QB for Arizona, they’ll need an offensive line that can keep him upright and clear running lanes for the backs. Right now, Arizona doesn’t have that. Upgrades at right tackle and guards are badly needed.
Honestly, this offensive line is probably in even worse shape than we think. Why? Because Murray’s scrambling ability likely masked its issues. Say what you want about Murray’s decision-making, but few can argue he was great at evading pressure. Not many QBs can do it better than him, so the Cardinals need real solutions at the positions, not band-aid fixes.
Perhaps opening the pocketbook in free agency, instead of drafting cheap options. Certainly, there’s money to do so. As of this writing, the team has $32 million in open cap space for 2026, which is the 12th most in the NFL. This is all before Murray is likely traded, and some veterans (most likely candidates are James Connor, Sean Murphy-Bunting, and Dalvin Tomlinson) are cut. Do this, and suddenly Arizona will be swimming in open cap space.
Some of that free space HAS to go toward the big men upfront. Sure, draft a cheap option to develop, but the team sorely needs at least one sure-fire player to plug the line right away.
Restart At Running Back
We mentioned it in the last section, but Connor might be a cut candidate. We say that despite Connor being a productive player for the Cards the past five seasons (about 4,500 yards rushing), and being well-liked in the locker room. At the same time, he’ll be 31 soon and is coming off a serious foot injury. Arizona needs to get younger (and cheaper) at the position.
We don’t think Trey Benson is reliable. The organization spent a third-round pick on him two years ago, but he can’t stay healthy.
Unlike QB or OL, we do think this position should be addressed in the draft. No position is more plug-and-play than RB, assuming the offensive line can be trusted to open up running lanes. Another third, maybe fourth, round pick makes sense to find a long-term answer here.
Find A Defensive Anchor At All Costs
Alright, enough with the offense. The defense needs some attention, albeit a little less than the offense. That’s because defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has been retained. He’s now been the team’s coordinator since 2023, a period of time where he’s done a good, not great, job.
Though Rallis’ play-calling could benefit from a game-changing player at defense (besides Budda Baker), something the Cardinals lack right now. The two positions we’d hone in on are side linebacker and defensive tackle. The middle of the defense, pretty much.
The No. 3 pick likely goes to one of these positions. Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese would be the pick if the Jets don’t take him at No. 2. He’s a hybrid-type player (plays both inside linebacker and edge rusher), something Rallis loves on defense. No matter where he is, though, Reese makes an impact. He could be the face of the defense for years to come.
Defensive tackle doesn’t have a can’t-pick prospect like Reese, but talent is not lacking either. Three names to keep an eye on are Caleb Banks, Peter Woods, and Kayden McDonald. One of them might be available when the Cards pick early in the second round.
The decisions Arizona makes from now through the NFL Draft will set the trajectory of the franchise, either up or somehow more down. Keep an eye on the names and moves we brought up; we really think they’re essential to success.
