The 2025 season was a historic disappointment for the Arizona Cardinals, as they finished with a franchise-worst 3–14 record. Despite a promising 2–0 start, the team collapsed, ending the year on a nine-game losing streak that led to the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Injuries plagued the roster, with Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and first-round pick Walter Nolen all missing significant time. The team enters 2026 under new head coach Mike LaFleur, holding the No. 3 overall pick and roughly $32 million in cap space.
Defense was the primary struggle in 2025. Arizona ranked 29th in scoring defense, surrendering 28.7 points per game, and struggled immensely to stop the run, allowing 4.4 yards per carry. On the offensive side, the unit failed to close out games.
They frequently struggled in the fourth quarter because of an inconsistent running game and poor pass protection. The offensive line saw multiple starters end the year on Injured Reserve, pointing to a desperate need for veteran depth and starting talent in the trenches.
Top 10 Free Agency Targets For the Arizona Cardinals
1. Trey Hendrickson (EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals)
Hendrickson is one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL despite an injury-shortened 2025 campaign. He recorded 4.0 sacks and 16 tackles in 7 games before a core muscle injury ended his season. Arizona’s defense managed only 30 sacks, failing to consistently pressure quarterbacks.
Hendrickson’s addition would immediately elevate the Cardinals’ front seven. His presence would reduce pressure on young edge rushers like Jordan Burch and provide the veteran leadership necessary for Mike LaFleur’s new defensive staff.
2. Jaelan Phillips (EDGE, Philadelphia Eagles)
Phillips proved he is back to full strength after a healthy 2025 campaign. He tallied 53 total tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in 17 games while playing for both Miami and Philadelphia. While his sack total was modest, his consistent pressure rates remained among the top tier for edge rushers.
Arizona needs multiple bodies to fix a pass rush that totaled only 30 sacks. Phillips’ athleticism and ability to play in various schemes make him a perfect fit for a rebuilding Cardinals defensive front.
3. Malik Willis (QB, Green Bay Packers)
Willis has seen his stock soar as we head into free agency. In 2025, he appeared in 4 games, completing 74.1% of his passes for 422 yards and 3 touchdowns with only one turnover. He added 123 rushing yards and 2 TDs. While Kyler Murray remains under contract, his relationship with the front office is reportedly fading, and his injury history is a major concern.
Willis offers a dynamic dual-threat capability that fits the modern NFL landscape. He would serve as competition or a high-upside insurance policy in LaFleur’s West Coast system. His rushing ability adds a layer of explosiveness that the Cardinals’ offense lacked during their 1–14 skid to end last year.
4. Alijah Vera-Tucker (OG/OT, New York Jets)
Vera-Tucker is a versatile lineman who offers elite run-blocking potential when healthy. He played 15 games in 2024 and maintained a Pro Bowl-caliber trajectory before a minor setback in 2025. Arizona’s rushing attack regressed significantly last season, dropping to 4.3 yards per carry.
Vera-Tucker’s ability to pull and lead-block in space is a perfect match for the Cardinals’ offensive philosophy. His arrival would stabilize the interior guard positions, which saw a rotation of four different starters last year due to injuries to Will Hernandez and Evan Brown.
5. Alec Pierce (WR, Indianapolis Colts)
Pierce is coming off a massive career year in which he emerged as a true deep-threat specialist. He posted career highs in targets (84), catches (47), and receiving yards (1,003) while adding 6 touchdowns in 2025.
The Cardinals’ offense became one-dimensional when Marvin Harrison Jr. faced double teams or injury setbacks. Pierce’s ability to win vertically (averaging over 21 yards per catch in several stretches) would force defenses to stay cautious about the deep ball. He provides the ideal complementary piece to Harrison Jr. in the Cardinals’ receiving corps.
6. Devin Lloyd (LB, Jacksonville Jaguars)
Lloyd remained a reliable force in the middle of the Jaguars’ defense throughout 2025. He recorded 81 tackles (35 solo), 1.5 sacks, and 5 interceptions across 15 appearances. His five interceptions highlight an elite ability to drop into coverage, a trait Arizona’s linebacker room lacked last season.
The Cardinals struggled with gap discipline and intermediate passing defense all year. Lloyd brings three-down versatility and playmaking instincts that would immediately stabilize Arizona’s second level, which ranks 29th in scoring defense.
7. Rashid Shaheed (WR, Seattle Seahawks)
Shaheed is an elite deep threat and All-Pro returner who recorded 59 receptions for 687 yards in 2025. Beyond his offensive utility, he provides a spark on special teams that Arizona lacked after punter Blake Gillikin went down.
The Cardinals struggled with field position all season, ranking in the bottom five in average starting drive position. Shaheed’s speed forces defensive coordinators to rethink their coverage shells. Adding him would give the Cardinals two elite vertical options to pair with Harrison Jr., making their offense significantly harder to stop.
8. Tyler Linderbaum (C, Baltimore Ravens)
Linderbaum anchored a Ravens offensive line that remained one of the most physical units in the AFC during 2025. He is a technical master at the center position and is known for his ability to reach difficult blocks in space.
Arizona’s interior offensive line was frequently overpowered by larger defensive tackles last season, stopping the run game. Linderbaum brings a nastiness and high-IQ approach to the pivot. Adding him would give the Cardinals a cornerstone leader on the offensive line for the next decade.
9. Budda Baker (S, Arizona Cardinals)
While technically an internal free agent, Baker is the most important player for Arizona to retain. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2025 despite the team’s poor record, serving as the lone consistent bright spot in the secondary.
He is one of the few players who played through the “injury frenzy” with high intensity. Letting Baker walk would be a catastrophic blow to a locker room already in transition. Re-signing him is the first step in rebuilding the defensive culture under the new coaching staff.
10. Kenneth Walker III (RB, Seattle Seahawks)
Walker is one of the most dangerous threats at running back. He proved himself with his consistent production in Seattle’s 2025 Super Bowl run. Arizona’s run game was the biggest reason behind their failures last year, with James Conner facing a season-ending foot injury and aging concerns.
Walker provides elite vision and the ability to create yards after contact. Adding a back of his caliber would take the pressure off the passing game and allow Mike LaFleur to implement a more balanced, physical offensive identity in Year One.
Also Read: 10 Free Agents San Francisco 49ers Can Target in 2026
