Cardinals Offseason Summary Following the first wave of 2026 free agency, the Arizona Cardinals' primary draft needs are Edge Rusher, Cornerback, and Offensive Tackle. General Manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon stayed aggressive in the "trench-first" rebuild, notably landing superstar defensive tackle Quinnen Williams in a blockbuster trade with the Jets.
The Cardinals entered the 2026 offseason with a clear mission: provide Kyler Murray with better protection and Quinnen Williams with more help. While the trade for Williams (sending picks #4 and #36) solidified the interior, the release of Zaven Collins and the departure of Sean Murphy-Bunting left massive voids on the edge and in the secondary. With no first-round pick in 2026, Arizona must maximize its three selections in the top 100 to find immediate defensive starters.
Franchise Needs
EDGE
CB
OT
WR
Free Agent Losses
LB Zaven Collins (Released), CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, DT Roy Lopez, K Matt Prater (Retired)Free Agent Gains
DT Quinnen Williams (Trade), CB Cor'Dale Flott, S Andrew Wingard, TE Daniel Bellinger, WR Jalen NailorDraft Capital Overview
- Pick 3 (Round 1)
- Pick 34 (Round 2)
- Pick 65 (Round 3)
- Pick 104 (Round 4)
- Pick 143 (Round 5)
- Pick 183 (Round 6)
- Pick 217 (Round 7)
ARZ Mock Draft Picks
Arvell Reese
Arizona’s offseason has already hinted at the kind of defense Mike LaFleur wants to build: more speed, more rotation, more functional range at the second level. Reese fits that direction cleanly because he can run, rush, and play through traffic without being boxed into one job. He gives the front seven a more modern piece for a roster that is still being reshaped in Year One under a new head coach.
Max Iheanachor
Arizona’s offensive rebuild has emphasized developmental trench depth rather than short-term patchwork. Iheanachor fits that philosophy as a traits-driven tackle prospect capable of growing within a system still shaping its identity. His length and starting experience give the Cardinals a future-oriented investment rather than a reactive need fill.
Gabe Jacas
Edge depth continues shaping Arizona’s long-term defensive trajectory. Jacas’ effort level and physical tools offer rotational pass-rush upside aligned with a front still building consistency. He profiles as a high-motor developmental defender.