Cardinals going to be a 'defensive-lead team' says starting safety

Thompson on Cardinals next season:

“This is going to be a defensive-lead team. We were in a lot of games last year with the defense, and we could have won more games if we had a little more. This year should be a little different.

“We have some new guys on the defensive line, and in the DBs room that are all ready to go. They’re intentional, they come to practice, they’re consistent. I think that should be really good for us.”

The 26-year-old continue his praise with defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, who he believes has evolved in his play calling and being a leader. Arizona doubled its win total from the past two years in 2024, but still had some growing pains on the defensive side of the ball. However, Thompson saw those as him and his teammates “growing together,” and will see the growth from those moments next year.

Ossenfort went defense-heavy in the 2025 draft, and Thompson believes that the addition of Michigan Wolverine cornerback Will Johnson makes the secondary the best position group in the building. Thompson and the rest of the secondary is ready to put the team on their back to go make plays.

It will be hard next year for the Cardinals defense to be anything but elite in 2025, just off the sheer talent in the personnel group. Thompson exuberated confidence when discussing the defense and what next season will look like for the team, giving fans something to be excited about when the regular season starts in few months.