2024 Season: 8-9, 3rd place in NFC West, missed the playoffs
Summary: The Arizona Cardinals are on the way after suffering through four consecutive victory campaigns.
The Cardinals narrowly missed the playoffs at the highly competitive NFC West and dropped some close one-score games to the stretch of the season that defended them from their first postseason appearance since the 2021 season.
It wasn’t the outcome they wanted, but it’s hard to complain when you look at the big picture. He returned from a knee injury last season, earning over 3,800 passing yards with 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also had over 550 rushing yards since the 2020 campaign.
Murray had many options for attacks. Trey McBride finished only with the Raiders tight end Block Bowers in terms of receiving yards among the league’s tight ends. This is lined up for a massive contract extension this offseason. Marvin Harrison Jr. looks promising in his rookie campaign, and James Connor had the best season in the league so far.
If the Cardinals can improve their defense a little, then they have the money to make it happen and start winning close games in 2025, there’s no reason they can’t make the playoffs next season.
Key-free agent
LB Kyzir White
Edge Dennis Garden
G will be Hernandez
G Evan Brown
Who’s out/outside: White sounds like he’s out the door, but that’s not a good sign of the Cardinals’ defense. The team captain became a free agent this offseason and has already posted a clear goodbye message on social media after the season ended. He went back this season and scored 137 tackles and 2.5 sacks after missing out on the good part of the 2023 campaign. It will be the place where the cardinals will fill.
The attack line is also set to hit. Hernandez, away from the torn ACL, Brown and Tristan Colon, are all set up to be free agents. Keeping at least one of the next season is a priority.
Key free agent needs
Edge Rush
Attack line
Linebacker
Why the hole?
The Cardinals’ offense is solid. However, defenses have holes that can be filled. Arizona will need to bring in at least one elite pass rush to complement Zaven Collins, who led the Cardinal in sacks last season. Linebacker BJ Ojulari is set to return from an ACL injury, but the more experienced player will be a great addition. They are also (probably) white, so bringing in a veteran alternative is a huge thing to keep the defense together.
As for the offensive line, the team should bring in at least one reliable starting guard and help complement the rest of the line after free agency. Defense is definitely a priority, but protecting Kyler Murray and keeping the attack in the right direction will not be overlooked.
Do they have money?
yes. The Cardinals enter the offseason with more than $64 million in cap space. It’s sixth in the entire league.
Notable predictive cuts
Deejay Dallas, RB
Why he’s gone: Cardinals don’t need to make many cuts, taking into account the amount of cap space they have to work with. But when you remove Dallas it feels like an easy move that can save your team nearly $2.5 million. Dallas signed a three-year contract with the team in his final offseason, but he only had nine carrys all year round. There is no reason to overpay that kind of production.
Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 16
Round 2: No. 47
Round 3: No. 78
Round 4
5th time
Good draft fit
Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
Why he? Walker is perfect for cardiacs. He had a total of 57 tackles and 6.5 bags last season. Edge rush and linebackers can slide into both spots for Arizona’s defense and must be very productive in that system soon.
If the coaches say, they plan to use Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2025 different ways
MHJ was a disappointment in a massive fantasy as a newcomer, partly due to odd use. Harrison ranked 48th in the target rating, and he led the league in “goals” (more than a quarter of his route!). Harrison was one of the league’s most effective receivers when targeting in the center, but saw the second-highest target percentage (75%) in the surrounding leagues. MHJ was clearly misused as a decoy as a rookie. Fantasy managers will need to monitor plans by Arizona coaching staff to feature Harrison differently in 2025.
