Arizona Cardinals 2026 NFL Season Preview

Offense

Arizona enters this season without a clear-cut franchise quarterback for the first time since 2019. Jacoby Brissett is expected to take the reins on a full-time basis in 2026 following his 12 starts last season in relief of the injured Murray. He “looks the part” for what LaFleur wants in his quarterback and clearly moved the offense forward as the starter last year — even if the wins didn’t follow. Despite taking over in Week 6 and operating with a stagnant run game and struggling offensive line, Brissett ended the season 14th in the NFL with 3,366 passing yards and eighth with 240.4 passing yards per game.

The biggest beneficiaries of Brissett’s ascension to the starting job were wide receiver Michael Wilson and tight end Trey McBride. Wilson went from offensive afterthought to a 1,000-yard receiver, while McBride set the NFL record for single-season receptions by a tight end (126), among other NFL and franchise records. He’s arguably the best tight end in the game.

The addition of 2026 third-round draft pick Carson Beck could loom large within the quarterbacks room. If things go sideways, like many expect, the Miami (Fla.) product could very well see the field sooner rather than later. After all, he does give the team an extra swing at the franchise-quarterback plate before the Cardinals potentially try their luck in 2027.

As for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the spotlight is that much brighter heading into Year 3 after a disappointing Year 2 filled with inconsistency and missed time. Can an offensive-minded head coach get him back on track? How he fares in 2026 will be of vital importance to the franchise’s future.

Running back, meanwhile, is one of the more crowded positions on the roster following an offseason that saw a new running back tandem come to town in rookie Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall pick, and veteran Tyler Allgeier. James Conner is also back on a revised contract, and Bam Knight re-signed in free agency. There’s also third-year pro Trey Benson. Tough decisions at the position are in the offing.

The group blocking in front of them also got some upgrades, with guard Isaac Seumalo filling a major need along the interior. The same goes for 2026 second-round pick Chase Bisontis. Both are expected to command starting roles alongside left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and center Hjalte Froholdt. Right tackle, however, remains the line’s biggest question mark. Elijah Wilkinson was brought in for a second stint and is the leader in the clubhouse at the position, as there’s currently no significant competition.

Defense

Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis remains one of the few holdovers from the previous coaching staff. And boy, does he have a lot to prove in his return. Whether it be against the run or pass, Arizona was one of the worst defenses in the league last year. The floodgates opened from the midway point on, with the Cardinals allowing at least 37 points six times across the final nine games. Yes, injuries played a part, but so did an inconsistent pass rush outside of Josh Sweat. While the veteran posted a career year in his first season with the Cardinals — 12 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss — the rest of the outside linebackers combined for just 5.5 sacks and 12 TFLs. If the Cardinals are going to have a chance in a brutally tough division, they must find someone who can be a consistent threat opposite Sweat.

As for the defensive line, it’s missing a massive piece from a year ago in Calais Campbell. Second on the team behind only Sweat in sacks (6.5) and tackles for a loss (nine), the veteran was a leader in the locker room and primary contributor on the field. Campbell signed with the Baltimore Ravens in free agency, putting Arizona behind the eight ball even more. The team did bring back Roy Lopez, who should slide in at starting nose tackle. Jonah Williams is another veteran who could find his way into the starting lineup or an impactful rotational role. But it’s more on recent first-rounders Walter Nolen III and Darius Robinson to take the necessary steps forward for this front to be successful. Robinson has shown flashes in two seasons of work, though he lacks consistency. Nolen’s game has translated to the NFL in a big way, but he was on the field for only six games as a rookie due to a calf strain and torn meniscus. How he bounces back in Year 2 is anyone’s guess. A potential surprise this year could be rookie defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor. The Southland Conference Player of the Year has impressive first-step quickness and was one of only two defensive players taken by the Cardinals this draft.

At inside linebacker, Mack Wilson Sr. returns for another season wearing the green dot after a rib injury ended his season eight games in. His likely running mate is Cody Simon, though free-agent signing Jack Gibbens could force his way into the conversation.

Viewed as one of the steals of the 2025 draft, Will Johnson enters Year 2 with a chance to cement himself as CB1. Denzel Burke and Starling Thomas V are options to start opposite Johnson on the outside. Sean Murphy-Bunting provides another option. The big question in the secondary: the health of nickel cornerback Garrett Williams. His status for 2026 is up in the air after a late-season Achilles tear. Losing him for any extended period of time would greatly impact the entire unit. Safety Budda Baker will also have a new running mate following Jalen Thompson’s departure to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Dadrion “Rabbit” Taylor-Demerson is expected to be his replacement, though free-agent addition Andrew Wingard has prior NFL starting experience and could push for reps.

Specialists

There is a new long-snapper in town for the first time since 2016. With Aaron Brewer a free agent, the Cardinals opted for Casey Kreiter to take the reins. Most of the other specialists remain the same. Punter Blake Gillikin is back after a back injury cut his season to only five games. If he can stay healthy, the Cardinals have a real field-position weapon. Heading into 2026, he is averaging 48.5 yards per punt for his career, the best in NFL history. Placekicker Chad Ryland, although much more inconsistent in 2025, is also back. He has got some competition, though, with Joshua Karty also on the roster.

Final analysis

The rebuild will require some time and patience. While winning is the ultimate objective, laying a foundation under LaFleur and setting up the roster to compete in 2027 are much more realistic goals given the state of the franchise and the division the Cardinals occupy.