2025 NFL Yearbook: Arizona Cardinals

A season preview of the Arizona Cardinals.

The All Access Football NFL Yearbook Countdown Series is Presented By The Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible, Included With All Access Football Annual Pass.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Howard Balzer, Dominic Ambrose and Jarrett Reigel contributed to this report] || [Some information also appears in the Lindy’s NFL & College Football Season Preview Guides. — Obtain these must-have magazines here]

NFL YEARBOOK SERIES: NO.32 — SAINTS || NO.31 — BROWNS || NO.30 — PANTHERS || NO.29 — TITANS || NO.28 — BEARS || NO.27—RAIDERS || NO.26 — SEAHAWKS || NO.25—JAGUARS || NO.24—COWBOYS || NO.23—JETS || NO.22—GIANTS || NO.21—COLTS || NO.20—FALCONS || NO.19—DOLPHINS || NO.18—49ERS || NO.17—PATRIOTS

2025 NFL YEARBOOK: ARIZONA CARDINALS

NFC WEST || 2024 RECORD: 8-9 || AAF NFL POWER RANKING: 16

TEAM BRASS

Owner: Michael Bidwill || General Manager: Monti Ossenfort || Head Coach: Jonathan Gannon || Offensive Coordinator: Drew Petzing || Defensive Coordinator: Nick Rallis || Special Teams: Jeff Rodgers

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

2025 NFLPA GRADES || OVERALL RANKINGS (29 of 32)

Treatment of Families: D+ (29th) || Food / Dining Area: D- (30th) || Nutritionist / Dietician: B (22nd) || Locker Room: F- (32nd) || Training Room: D- (32nd) || Training Staff: C (31st) || Weight Room: F (31st) || Strength Coaches: C+ (31st) || Team Travel: B (19th) || Head Coach: A (7th) || Ownership: D- (30th)

The Arizona Cardinals finish at the bottom of this year’s Report Card rankings. The top concern for many players is the need for an updated, modernized and expanded team facility. Nearly every space within the facility is described as too small, especially the team’s locker room. Many players also highlight non-construction related improvements that would enhance their workplace conditions, such as an upgraded food program with more variety and higher quality offerings, as well as pre-game sideline passes for their families. When asked what the team is doing best, many players praise head coach Jonathan Gannon for fostering a strong team culture.

OVERVIEW

The Cardinals are deeper than any team in the division inside the trenches and have loaded up on big bodies along the defensive line, which is sure to create chaos for opposing quarterbacks. Arizona went defense with their first five selections, which comes at no surprise with the aforementioned defensive-minded Gannon at the helm. This rookie class should make a significant impact for the franchise. However, much like the case in past seasons, the Cardinals success will only go as far as the health of quarterback Kyler Murray can take them. This is a team no one will want to face come playoff time.

OFFENSE RANKINGS

Total Offense: 358.2 (11th) || Passing: 214.1 (18th) || Rushing: 144.2 (7th) || Points: 23.5 (11) || Sacked: 30 (5th) || 3rd Down: 43% (8th)

DEFENSE RANKINGS

Total Defense: 342.5 (20th) || Passing: 216.1 (15th) || Rushing: 126.4 (20th) || Points Allowed: 22.3 (16th) || Sacks: 41 (T-13th) || Turnover Differential: -3 (18th)

TOP 10 FRANCHISE PLAYERS

1. Trey McBride, Tight End

2. Budda Baker, Safety

3. Kyler Murray, Quarterback

4. Marvin Harrison Jr., Wide Receiver

5. Josh Sweat, Defensive End

6. James Conner, Running Back

7. Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Tackle

8. Garrett Williams, Cornerback

9. Calais Campbell, Defensive End

10. Chad Ryland, Kicker

TOP 10 PLAYERS UNDER 25

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Wide Receiver (22)

2. Garrett Williams, Cornerback (24)

3. Paris Johnson, Offensive Tackle (24)

4. Walter Nolen III, Defensive Tackle (23)

5. Max Melton, Cornerback (23)

6. BJ Ojulari, Linebacker (23)

7. Will Johnson, Cornerback (22)

8. Trey Benson, Running Back (22)

9. Cody Simon, Linebacker (23)

10. Denzel Burke, Cornerback (22)

BUST OUT PLAYERS

The big-bodied Trey Benson was selected in order to share ground and pound duties with fellow backmate James Conner. Unfortunately, Benson was seen driving in reverse for much of the season. With Conner, now 30, it’s important to keep in mind that Benson was drafted due in part to his great production at FSU and he’s fully expected to receive every opportunity to alleviate some of the workload … It was a rookie class which fell short of expectations overall, including Marvin Harrison Jr. (photo: Arizona Cardinals). While he managed to lead all receivers with 885 yards, it was a season plagued by inconsistency and featured just two games all season in which he exceeded the 100-yard barrier. It’s safe to say that opposing defensive coordinators aren’t staying up late at night concerned about Harrison Jr. but there is a sense around the team that the narrative could change soon … It was a growing experience for second round pick Max Melton to say the least. The Cardinals complex defensive scheme asks more from their corners than most, so Melton struggled early on. However, he recovered nicely as the season wore on and is expected to win a starting role in training camp.

2025 NFL DRAFT CLASS

ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL

Rd.1 No.16. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss — The Cardinals continue to swing for the fences in stacking their defensive line. Nolen is an explosive three-technique who provides a major boost in applying pressure on the quarterback with his presence. (photo: Arizona Cardinals)

Rd.2 No.47. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan — A long, lengthy corner with elite ball instincts, Johnson dealt with turf toe and knee injuries, which creates concerns about his durability. However, he will be the lead candidate to fill-in for Sean Murphy-Bunting, who is out for the year after a non-football injury.

Rd.3 No.78. Jordan Burch, ER, Oregon — If not for medical concerns, Burch would have been chosen much higher. A massive big man with exceptional agility and the ability to get after the quarterback, Burch can line up anywhere along the defensive line.

Rd.4 No.115. Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State — A ferocious downhill linebacker with solid size, Simon played a key role manning the middle for the national champion Buckeyes. He also brings vast experience on special teams.

Rd.5 No.174. Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State — The Cardinals pluck another Buckeyes defender in Burke, who possesses prototype size and speed, along with great experience. He did tend to struggle with giving up the deep ball, something to monitor.

Rd.6 No.211. Hayden Conner, OG, Texas — A four-year starter for the Longhorns, Connor owns a stout anchor and packs a powerful punch. He has been praised for his football IQ and should provide depth on the interior of the offensive line.

Rd.7 No.225. Kitan Crawford, S, Nevada — One of the top performers at the Hula Bowl, Crawford turned heads throughout the draft process, turning in a 4.41 forty-yard dash at the combine, while bringing the flexibility to play safety or nickel.

OVERALL IMPACT = 4 High Impact

ADDITIONS

• QB Jacoby Brissett (8/5; UFA Patriots; $12.5M/2 yrs, $6.5M fully gtd/$1.5M gtd injury only fully gtd March 2026/$3.5M SB/$7.19M 2025 cap)

• DL Calais Campbell (17/17; UFA Dolphins; $5.5M/1 yr, $4.25M gtd/$2M SB/$6M 2025 cap/$2M incentives)

• G/T Jake Curhan (10/2; UFA Bears; $1.195M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.055M 2025 cap)

• LB Akeem Davis-Gaither (17/7; UFA Bengals; $10M/2 yrs, $5M gtd/$3M SB/$3.805M 2025 cap/$1M incentives)

• WR Simi Fehoko (8/2; UFA Chargers; $1.175M/1 yr, $1.25M gtd/$250K SB/$1.615M 2025 cap)

• CB Jaylon Jones (8/1; not tendered as RFA by Bears; $1.2M/1 yr, $50K SB/$1.2M 2025 cap)

• G Royce Newman (1/0; UFA Buccaneers; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $45K SB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• LB Josh Sweat (16/15; UFA Eagles; $76.4M/4 yrs, $38M fully gtd/$3M gtd injury only $3M fully gtd March, 2027/$18.5M SB/$7.22M gtd 2026 RB/$7.24M 2025 cap/1 void year)

• DT Dalvin Tomlinson 16/16; FA Browns; $29M/2 yrs, $13.5M gtd/$8.5M SB/$7.644M 2025 cap/3 void years)

• LB Mykal Walker (17/0; UFA Commanders; $1.79M/1 yr, $500K gtd/$200K SB/$1.79M 2025 cap)

RE-SIGNINGS

• T Kelvin Beachum (potential UFA; $4M/1 yr, $3.49M gtd/$1.5M SB/ $3.97M 2025 cap)

• S Joey Blount (potential RFA; $3.75M/2 yrs, $400K SB/$1.7M 2025 cap)

• LS Aaron Brewer (potential UFA; $1.422.5M/1 yr, $167,500 SB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• G Evan Brown (potential UFA; $11.44M/2 yrs, $6M gtd/$3M SB/$4.97M 2025 cap)

• LB Baron Browning (potential UFA; $15M/2 yrs, $10M gtd/$5.5M SB/$5.42M 2025 cap/$4M sacks incentives/escalator)

• DE L.J. Collier (UFA; $3M/1 yr, $1.5M gtd/$750K SB/$3M 2025 cap/$1M incentives)

• WR/RS Greg Dortch (RFA tendered at $3.263M with no compensation; $3.263M/1 yr)

• WR Zay Jones (potential UFA; $2.4M/1 yr, $1.3M gtd/$650K SB/$2.28M 2025 cap/$2M incentives)

• TE Travis Vokolek (ERFA; $1.03M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

DEPARTURES

• LB Victor Dimukeje (11/0; UFA Giants; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $167,500 SB/$1.197.5 2025 cap)

• DL Naquan Jones (12/0; UFA Chargers; $1.835M/1 yr, $250K SB/$1.817M 2025 cap)

• DT Roy Lopez (16/16; UFA Lions; $3.5M/1 yr, $3.33M gtd/$2M SB/$3.49M 2025 cap/$1.15M incentives)

• LB Julian Okwara (13/1; UFA Browns; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $240K gtd/$40K SB/$1.167.5M 2025 cap)

• WR Zach Pascal (17/0; UFA Giants; $1.422.5M/1 yr, $90K SB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• DT Khyiris Tonga (13/1; UFA Patriots; $2.1M/1 yr, $1M gtd/$500K SB/$2.02M 2025 cap)

DEPTH CHART (Courtesy of Ourlads)

VEGAS ODDS — PREDICTION — WAGERING INSIDER

Rake Vegas with All Access Football Wagering Insider — Part of AAF Annual Plan